Summer safety tips Published Aug. 11, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Jacob Taylor 99th Aerospace Medicine Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 101 Critical Days of Summer last from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During these critical days, people are at a higher risk for accidents, which include getting sunburned, dehydrated and injured while taking part in outdoor activities. Here are some tips that will help prevent these types of incidents from occurring. Shy away from the sun -If possible, avoid being outdoors during midday hours, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is when the sun is most intense. -When outside, especially during the midday hours, use sunscreen on all exposed areas of the body. When choosing sunscreen, select a product with a minimum sun protection factor of 15 and follow the instructions for how and when to apply it correctly. -When possible, cover up with light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and a light-weight, long-sleeve shirt or jacket. -Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B protection to block harmful rays and to prevent eye injuries. Drink up -Adults should drink at least eight ounces of water per hour to stay hydrated when outside. -Children are most susceptible to dehydration and should drink small amounts of water or clear juices frequently, at least once per hour. Children are more likely to ask for a drink if they see it or if it is readily available, so caregivers must be proactive to ensure children are drinking and staying well hydrated. -Caregivers should check the diapers of infants and toddlers often to ensure they are urinating. If they are not, they need more fluids than what they have been given. -A hydrated person's urine will be either clear or light yellow in color. Some signs of early dehydration are drying of the mouth, eyes or any mucus areas. Being thirsty is a sign that the body is already dehydrated and needs to be replenished with water or beverages with electrolytes. When dehydrated, avoid consuming drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, because they act as diuretics and cause the body to lose fluids quickly. Wear the gear -When participating in recreational activities, wear Personal Protective Equipment. For example, wear a helmet when riding a bike and a life vest when boating or around water. -Children, whether they know how to swim or not, should always wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device when around water. Most states have laws requiring children to wear PFDs when involved in water activities on lakes, rivers or the ocean. If a child has no swimming skills, it is best for that child to wear a PFD while in or around a swimming pool. Summer is a great time to be outdoors, so enjoy it to the fullest extent by taking the necessary safety precautions: use sunscreen, drink water and wear personal protective equipment when outdoors.
