5 Summer Safety Tips to Beat the Heat!

The summer season is in full swing! While the warm weather and sunshine offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities, they also come with a variety of safety concerns that everyone should keep in mind. Excessive heat exposure can lead to four common medical problems that range from minor inconveniences to life-threatening injuries, including heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The good news is that these conditions are entirely preventable, as long as you take precautions and stay proactive about your health and well-being. 

Here is a list of the TOP summer safety tips to help you stay healthy at work and at home. 

When it comes to combating heat-related injuries and illnesses, prevention is always the most effective approach. 

1. Know the Warning Signs 

Under normal circumstances, the human body regulates its internal temperature by sweating, However, spending too much time in the hot sun performing physical activities can negatively impact this function. Losing too must water and electrolytes may lead to heat exhaustion, which can rapidly escalate to a heat stroke if left unchecked. 

Common warning signs of heat exhaustion include: 

• Excessive sweating

• Fatigue and weakness

• Headaches and dizziness

• Muscle Cramps

• Nausea or Vomiting 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to immediately move to a cool or shaded area, drink water, and remove any unnecessary, layered clothing as soon as possible. 

2. Take Safety Advisories Seriously 

3. Drink Plenty of Water 

Whether you’re at the beach or working in the hot sun, it’s crucial to replenish the liquid and electrolytes you’ve lost from sweating. 

4. Take Rest Breaks in the Shade

Air conditioning may be the quickest way to cool off but spending a few minutes in the shade also lowers your body temperature. Prolonged exposure to the sun not only leads to uncomfortable sunburns, it also increases your risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and may cause you to faint. 

5. Remember to Reapply Sunscreen 

Although wearing a hat and light-colored clothing may limit your exposure, the surest way to prevent sunburns is to put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading outside and remember to reapply every 3 to 4 hours. 

No matter what you have planned outdoors, these Summer Safety Tips will help you keep it cool and beat the heat to stay healthy and safe!