More daylight, vacations, swimming – summer brings a lot to look forward to. But it also means high temperatures that can be dangerous. Here are a few helpful tips to keep you cool and safe in the summer sun:
- Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. If you are sweating a lot, consider sports drinks to replace the salts and minerals.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Use sunscreen and wear loose, light-colored clothing and a brimmed hat.
- Limit activity: Try to limit outdoor activity during midday, which is typically the hottest part of the day.
- Keep your home ventilated: If you are indoors and have no air conditioning, open windows and use fans to circulate the air.
- Don’t delay getting help: If you or someone else might be suffering from heat-related illness, move to a cooler shady place, lie down, drink some fluids, and call 911.
Don’t forget to keep your pets safe in the heat! Our four-legged friends are also sensitive to extreme temperature, so remember to take extra care of them during the summer too. Here are a few summer pet care reminders:
- Never leave your pet in a car
- Watch the humidity – if the humidity is high, your pet cannot cool themselves by panting
- Limit exercise on hot days
- Provide ample shade and water
- Watch for signs of heatstroke (excessive panting, reddened gums, stumbling gait, lethargy)