Temperatures are soaring. Bathing beauties are bounding to the beach. Summer sun, frolic and fun abound, but let’s be safe out there, people!
Let’s simmer sanely, celebrate sensibly, and not neglect essentials to keep our families and ourselves from harm.
Road Tripping?
Now, we know that millions are already on the road over this holiday weekend, and will be off and on throughout the summer months. What do you need to keep in mind?
Stay cool; keep water handy. No drinking and driving! (You know that, right?) And pull off to a rest stop to text or tweet, much less message the marvels of mountainous horizons.
Another potential road hazard? Distraction! No arguing behind the wheel… whether old friends, long-marrieds, or a new couple traveling together for the first time.
Water Wonders, Water Safety
Water safety? Come on, don’t be fool by the pool, a rake at the lake, or a bore at the shore…
- Pay attention to weather reports.
- Don’t skimp on safety vests and floaties.
- Never leave little ones unattended.
- Swimming? Surfing? The Buddy System works!
- Don’t drink and pilot a boat.
- See more Red Cross water safety tips here.
Sun and Fun!
Summer sun? Mais oui! It feels fantastic, but…
We all know the dangers of those UV rays, and they’re especially strong between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So don’t forget:
- Sunscreen, with a good SPF! Reapply often if you’re swimming.
- Find those fabulous wide-brimmed hats! Protect yourself from heatstroke, protect your face, and protect your eyes.
- Speaking of eyes, remember those sunglasses.
More sun safety tips here.
Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke
Hot, hot, hot! Keep in mind, the most vulnerable — the very young and those 50+ — are more susceptible to rising temperatures. So pay attention. Hydrate! Find shade! Hats, parasols, time indoors rather than entire afternoons exposed to high heat. And know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and what to do about it.
By the way, apparently we’re less helpful when we’re hot, and I don’t mean that kind of hot. At least, according to this report on temperatures and mood, telling us:
… a really hot day can induce feelings of grumpiness and even hostility…
Hmmm… Maybe so! And who wants to be grumpy?
Our Furry Friends
That mention of hydrating? The only kind of hot dog you should embrace this week is the comestible kind. Do pay careful attention to your pets’ exposure to potential heat hazards and other recreational risks of the season.
- Don’t leave your pets in a hot car! (You wouldn’t do it to your child, would you?)
- Make sure your pets have plenty of water.
- Check pets for fleas and tics, do so carefully, don’t forget the dangers of Lyme.
Something too easily forgotten? Faithful Fido and Fastidious Feline, like young children, can be frightened by booming fireworks. Check out these terrific tips on mitigating noise impacts for our precious pets.
Party Time!
Party? You bet. But do shun the shameless share (don’t Share Under the Influence), don’t stare at the startling Speedo, do beware the bountiful barbecue…
Listen, you’re adults. You bear the consequences for your holiday hijinks. But as you fan the flames of Fireball as daylight wanes, do remember crucial fireworks safety rules — especially if your kids or grandkids are participating in your party time pleasures.
One festive final note: Rain or shine, solo or surrounded, smiling is good for you. So celebrate whatever is good in your life… and fête a fabulous fourth!
You May Also Enjoy
Thank you for these reminders, D.A. And for educating me: I did not know that people 50+ years of age are more susceptible to rising temperatures. (I had noticed that high humidity bothers me more and more, but heat with low humidity, not so much.) Your caution against leaving pets in vehicles when it is warm or hot outside is especially appreciated, as many people still do that. In Portland, we have an ordinance exempting from prosecution people who break into a vehicle order to rescue a pet within from heat. Best wishes for a stress-free, pain-free, altogether delightful Fourth of July, Leslie
I’ve spent five days recently helping a friend with an outdoor project. Even though each day I bring about two and a half liters of an electrolyte replacement drink and am drinking continually, it seems I can’t get enough. It is very difficult to stay hydrated.
Hi Robert,
Are you alright, the heat and all? Hope you got enough fluids! Hey, I’m thinking about a move to Dallas suburbs from The Island on Corpus Christi, Tx (if you remember me). Do you know anything current about that area?
Thanks!
While all of these should be somewhat common sense, I’m amazed at the number of people who choose not to adhere to these safety checks. Our new fur baby is not a fan of the sun! He prefers the coolness of the shade…..and, preferably, the AC vent inside the house! Great reminders and good links. Hope you had a safe and happy Independence Day, my friend. xoxo
Btw: Houston & San Antonio are not an option for me. I’ve lived in Austin and it has gotten too expensive for my taste.
Hi TD – You know I wouldn’t forget another Texan! Fortunately I’ve been able to avoid the worst of our latest heat.
It’s been thirty-five years since I lived in Dallas, so my information on the job market and living costs is obviously outdated. Still, I wouldn’t imagine culture and demographics have changed much. Although each Texas city has its own character, Dallas “felt” distinctly different. In two years we were never able to feel comfortable. If you would like to correspond offline, feel free to ask D.A. for my email.
I agree that Texas cities have their own characters and it appears that the high heat temperatures are hitting every where, not just the southern states. Interesting to know your thoughts on living there years ago. I shall do more research on current costs. ?