Safety in the Summer Heat

Texas Summers are notorious for high temperatures. We want you and your loved ones to enjoy time together outdoors, while also keeping safety in mind during the summer heat.

Our bodies have a natural ability to help us to adapt to temperature changes, however exposure to extreme temperatures can be very harmful. Heat can bring you to exhaustion or even be fatal.

Practice Safety in the Summer Heat with these tips:

Avoid Extreme Outdoor Temperatures

Many people love to get outside and enjoy to sun during the summer months, but don’t forget to think about your safety. Some places can be very dangerous to your health in the summer heat.

Follow these tip to avoid dangerous heat:

• Schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or evening, not during the hottest part of the day
• Do not sit in a hot vehicle, which can be 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) hotter than it is outside
• If you must be outside, try to stay in the shade. Shade can be 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler than in the direct sun
• Paved surfaces like sidewalk and asphalt are much hotter in the sun than grass
• Always bring water or sports drinks to help you stay hydrated
• Monitor your health closely while in the summer heat

Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Stroke

These conditions are very serious. If you being to experience signs of heat exhaustion of heat stroke, it is important to get to a cool place as soon as possible. Knowing the signs of these summer heat health emergencies can help save your life.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

• Fatigue
• Muscle cramping
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting

What to do: If you have signs of heat exhaustion

• Get to a cool or air conditioned place
• Lie down or sit down in a cool place
• Take sips of cool sports drinks to replace sodium and water
• Stay out of the sun and heat to allow your body to recover

Signs of Heat Stroke

• Elevated heart rate or pulse
• Red skin, with no sweat
• Body temperature above 103 degrees
• Dizziness or fainting
• Confusion or loss of consciousness

If you are experiencing signs of heat stroke, seek medical care as soon as possible.

Protect Your Skin

Your skin plays an important role in your overall health by regulating your body temperature, protecting your organs, eliminating some toxins, and other essential functions. The sun is a valuable source for your skins production of Vitamin D, which supports a healthy immune system. However, too much sun can burn and damage your skin.

Here are some of the best ways to protect your skin in the summer heat:

• Keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day in Texas, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
• Limit your time in the sun if your skin is unprotected to less than 20 minutes.
• Use sun screen products to reduce the harmful effects of UV rays.
• Stay hydrated
• Wear protective clothing
• Hat that provides shade for your face and neck
• Cool clothing (natural fibers like cotton or linen allow you skin to breathe best)

We hope your family enjoys making memories together this summer, while practicing safety in the summer heat and sun! To see more articles like this, follow our Facebook page.

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