by Kate Evans
Summer is a great time of year that’s full of outdoor family activities and fun.
A few extra safety steps can help avoid summer dangers that pop up this time of year.
Prevent snake bites
Snakes are more active in warm weather and at night.
Know the difference in appearance between venomous and non-venomous snakes. Eastern copperheads and timber rattlesnakes are the two poisonous snakes found in our region.
Stay away from tall grass, brush and piles of leaves and avoid climbing on rocks or piles of wood where snakes may be hiding. Look carefully before you step or put your hand anywhere.
Rattlesnakes may use their rattles as a warning if they feel threatened, although they don’t always rattle before biting. They may be found sunning themselves near logs, boulders, or in open areas.
Copperheads vary in color from reddish to golden tan and the colored bands on their bodies are usually hourglass-shaped. Copperheads are often found in woods, forests and rocky areas. They will strike in defense if threatened, contacted or interacted with.
Timber rattlesnake habitats include mountainous or hilly forests, hardwood or pine forests, lowland thickets and fields.
When working in the yard or field, wear leather gloves when handling brush and debris. Wear boots and long pants when working outdoors or hiking.
Be on alert when there are summer drought conditions. Snakes will be attracted to your garden hoses, swimming pool, pet water bowls, air conditioning units and other water sources.
To discourage snakes on your property, make all buildings rodent-proof and keep lawns and fields closely mowed. Eliminate boards, flat rocks, trash piles and other areas that could attract snakes seeking shelter, said a “Snakes of West Virginia” booklet published by the Division of Natural Resources.
Don’t try to handle any snake.
Bees
Bees, wasps and hornets can be a danger during the summer heat. Their nests and hives can be in trees, under roof eaves and decks, on the ground or on ladders and other equipment.
Pay attention when mowing or trimming in the yard. These activities may disturb bees or wasps in their nests.
Wear light-colored clothing and avoid scented shampoos, deodorants, perfume or cologne so you don’t attract them.
Drinking sweet beverages outdoors may attract bees and wasps. Using a wide open topped cup will help you see if a bee is inside it.
If someone suffers a severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting, take them to an emergency medical facility immediately. Symptoms can include hives, a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue and a weak, rapid pulse.
Anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should carry an epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen) and wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace noting their allergy.
Dehydration, heat stroke
It’s very important to stay hydrated in the summer heat.
Dehydration is when you lose more fluids than you take in and your body doesn’t have the needed fluids for normal functions. Dehydration is especially dangerous for young children and older adults.
Mild to moderate dehydration can be reversed by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration needs medical treatment.
If you’re working or playing outside, drink plenty of water often, especially if it’s very hot. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks so you avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke or heat cramps. Water and sports drinks are good to drink. Avoid caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, and alcohol as they can lead to dehydration.
Wear light-weight, lightcolored clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton. Schedule vigorous work and activities in the coolest hours of the day. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses and using an umbrella.
Take plenty of drink breaks during outdoor activities. Spend as much time as possible in air conditioned spaces when it’s very hot and humid.
Danger signs of heatstroke can include hot, red, dry or damp skin, a high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, dizziness, confusion, headache, disorientation, fatigue, nausea, seizure and loss of consciousness.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call for medical assistance immediately.
Sunburn
Sunburn accelerates skin aging and is a leading cause for many cases of skin cancer. Sunburn is completely preventable.
Fair-skinned people have the highest risk of sunburn, but anyone can burn, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Sunburn can range from mild to blistering. It can also happen on a cloudy day.
Protect yourself from sunburn, sun exposure and skin damage. Limit your time in direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those hours are the most hazardous for ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun. Repeated sunburns raise your risk of skin cancer.
Stay in the shade. Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, neck and ears and long pants and long sleeves to cover your arms and legs.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 with UVA and UVB protection. Reapply sunscreen as needed, especially if you’re swimming.
If you get sunburned, cool yourself off with a quick dip in the pool, lake or ocean for a few seconds. Then cover up to prevent any more sun exposure. Or take a cool bath or shower at home.
Replenish your fluids by drinking water and sports drinks. Use ibuprofen or aspirin for the sunburn pain and inflammation if you can safely take them.
Summer food safety
Keep summer gatherings safe by not letting food sit out at room temperature for more than two hours or one hour if the temperature is 90 degrees or higher.
Refrigerate leftovers right away. Divide leftovers into several shallow containers for quick cooling.
Cook meat, eggs and poultry thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to make sure that meats have been cooked until they reach the advised internal temperature. When grilling, use separate, clean plates and utensils for raw meat and for cooked meat.
Always clean surfaces and utensils with soapy water and wash your hands with soap and water before preparing any food.
Wash fruits and vegetables before use even if you plan to peel them.
Keep prepared eggs (deviled eggs) refrigerated until serving. Chill raw and prepared foods promptly if not immediately consuming them.
