Stay Hydrated:
Heat kills more than 600 people a year in the US. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Those most susceptible to heat related illnesses are for people under Age 4 and over age 65 or those with medical conditions. Staying cool and hydrated and watching heat advisories will help in prevention of heat related issues.
Sunburn:
UV rays can burn skin in as little as 15 minutes but it
can take up to 12 hours to show damage. The most dangerous time for exposure is between 10 am and 4 pm. Working in the heat can be a problem if a worker is not acclimated to the heat. Hard hats provide sun protection and sun shield can be applied for additional protection. Long sleeved material that provides wikiing will help keep the worker cool. Sunglasses with UV protection will help prevent eye damage. Hydrating with water and electrolytes will help replenish minerals lost through sweating. Frequent breaks to rest and cool down are necessary. Heat is cumulative. It's important to get rest and give your body a chance to recover.
Swimming Pool Safety:
Drowning is the leading cause of death in young children 1-4. Make sure everyone has basic swim skills and water safety awareness. Assign a "Home Lifeguard" to watch children swimming. Know the signs of a swimmer in distress and how to perform CPR. Prevent access to the pool when it is not in use. The CDC has a lot of information on pool safety. If you have children, be sure you know the hazards associated with water and pool use.
Wear a life jacket. Take a boating safety course. Florida Fish and Wildlife has an online boating safety course that comes with a lifetime wallet card for successful completion. Get a free boat safety check. Go to uscgboating.org to get a free safety check. Drink responsibly while boating.
Living in Florida has so many opportunities for fun in the sun and surf. No matter where you are in Florida, you are never more than 60 miles from the ocean. Florida has the highest number of backyard pools in the United States with 1,590,000 pools, 250,000 more that California. Florida is second in tourism in the United States. People want to be here. Many times, those visitors are the ones that can be identified by their sunburns. We are fortunate to live in Florida but knowing how to live here is half the fun. Stay safe this summer and enjoy our wonderful state.
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