Fun in the Sun
It’s important to stay cool and hydrated during your summertime adventures! While nature is a great place for family fun, heat-related illness is real! Here are some tips to cope with high temperatures, and prevent heat strokes, cramps, exhaustion, and sunburns!
Know the Signs
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency! If you have hot or red skin, fast pulse, nausea, dizziness, confusion and/or a headache, call 911 and find a cool place to wait for help.
Get Familiar with the Area
If you’re exploring new parks or trails this summer, check the park website before your visit to make sure weather conditions are safe. Does the park offer drinking water sources? If so, know where they are located.
Drink Water Frequently and Take Rest Breaks
Find a shady spot to rest and soak yourself with water to stay cooler. When you go hiking, make sure you have at least one liter of water for each member of your family, and bring healthy snacks to help your family stay energized! Elevated altitudes will require additional hydration, so adjust as needed!
Apply Sunscreen
Remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day and keep your hat and sunglasses on to reduce damage to your skin and eyes.
Take Extra Precautions with Kids and Pets
Never leave your kids or animals in the car, even if the windows are cracked! Did you know that temperatures inside a parked car can rise 20 degrees in 10 minutes? Children are especially prone to heat stroke, so take extra care to keep them cool and hydrated.
Wear Lightweight Clothing
Avoid dark tight-fitting clothing, as it absorbs heat. Wearing lightweight clothing will reflect heat and help prevent your body temperature from rising too high.
Look at the Ground
Venture out when shadows are long to avoid the most intense heat of the day. Notice at noon, when the sun is most intense, shadows will be non-existent. In the summer months, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are the most brutal in most areas of the country.
