ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- The start of summer is just around the corner. Which means the 101 Critical Days of Summer are too. The critical days of summer begin around Memorial Day weekend and continue through Labor Day weekend.
During this time, most people find themselves more frequently participating in outdoor activities. Whether it be going on vacations, music festivals, camping, or water related activities, there is an increased risk of danger. Summer is a time to enjoy the warm summer days with family and friends, not spend time in hospitals or, worse, mourning the loss of a loved one. It is a time that requires vigilance and commitment in reducing the chance of a mishap before it happens. It is time to start thinking about summer safety to make sure you and the people around you remain safe. We cannot change every outcome that happens; Nevertheless, by becoming educated about the dangers of summer and speaking up, we can help save a life!
The critical days of summer are extremely hot. Heat strokes, sun poisoning, exhaustion, and dehydration can happen quickly. Stay hydrated this summer; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that an average adult loses about two and a half quarts of water daily. Water helps your body lubricate joints, protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and gets rid of waste. Drinking around eight to twelve glasses of water throughout the day will help the body stay hydrated. If you plan to be outside in the sun, consider drinking more. If out in the sun, you need to know the symptoms and signs to look for. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dry skin and muscle or joint soreness. Be prepared when in the heat! Have plenty of drinking water and a way to cool your body off. Be prepared to help someone else that may be in trouble as well. If you or someone you know starts to feel unwell in the heat, get them or yourself out of the sun as quickly as possible and cool the body down by applying water, cool air or ice on the neck, groin, or armpit areas. Be sure to hydrate and seek medical attention if you do not begin to feel better.
When in the sun, always remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin! Sunburns can range in severity with the most serious sunburns leaving you hospitalized with burns to your skin and sickness to your body. Millions of adults are treated every year for skin issues related to overexposure to the sun. Long-term exposure to UV radiation can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune system. We all need some vitamin D from the sun, but unprotected exposure can cause damage. It is easy to not feel your skin burning when at the beach, on a boat, or moving around while outside. It is important to take care of your skin when participating in activities. Water activities like boating, fishing and swimming can cool a person off, that is why they are such popular summer activities. However, one wrong decision could result in injury or death. So, remember to wear a life jacket around the water, don’t drink alcohol and boat or swim; always keep an eye on small children and make sure everyone stays hydrated and has food to fuel their bodies.
Summer is a time of fun. A time where family and friends can come together to enjoy nature and the outdoors. We encourage you to go outdoors and have fun this summer. However, we also encourage you to be educated on summer safety, be smart when outdoors, and be sure that children are watched closely. Have fun and do not forget to stay hydrated!
For more information on the 101 Critical Days of Summer, as well as a checklist of summer safety tips, please visit https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Summer-Safety/.