Ways to stay safe in summer heat, in the pool and in the sun

June 21 marked the official start of summer, kicking off a season filled with pool parties, road trips and outdoor adventures. But as fun as summer break can be, the various activities that fill its days can bring a number of hidden health hazards and dangers along with them. When lighting the camp fire or spending the day out in the sun, keep these safety essentials in mind and make sure your summer vacation is a safe one for you and your family.

Sun Safety

Anyone working or playing outside should take extra precautions against sun exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the top layer of skin, causing harmful damage that can lead to sunburn or, in more extreme cases, skin cancer. Sunlight is at its strongest during the hours many choose to spend outdoors, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and poses a risk on both clear and cloudy days. The CDC suggests anyone spending time out in the sun should wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15. Look for products containing Mexoryl, Parsol 1789, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone, which block UVA rays. Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Wind, water, persperation and humidity all decrease sunscreen protection, including sweat-proof and water-proof brands, making frequent reapplication necessary for full protection. Sunscreens have a shelf life of one to two years. Expiration dates should be checked and old bottles replaced at the beginning of each summer season.

Heat Stress

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat rashes. Heat stroke is the most serious of these and can cause permanent injury or death if not treated. According to the CDC, symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, profuse sweating, slurred speech, confusion, severe headache and dizziness. It is essential that a heat stroke victim's body temperature be brought down quickly and he or she be moved indoors or to a cool area. People at the greatest risk for heat stroke include those who are 65 and older, are overweight, have high blood pressure or heart disease.

Fire Safety

Families who are planning on camping out this summer should take extra care when building camp fires to cook their food and keep them warm at night. Mark Hasheider, assistant fire chief of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, said using approved fire pits is essential to a safe outdoor vacation. Although the official wild fire season doesn't start until autumn, Hasheider said high temperatures, which have already made an appearance early in the season, are likely to continue and could make conditions right for a wildfire to occur. "Campers need to make sure any and all campfires are completely extinguished before they leave the area," Hasheider said. "Certain areas may develop dry conditions because of the hot weather, so it's important that people take extra precautions."

Pet Safety

Shelly Daume, a vet with Deer Ridge Animal Hospital in Jackson, says dogs are most at risk during the summer months. "We see a lot of dogs that come in overheated or they have been hit by cars because they tend to be out more during the summer," Daume said. If your animal spends its days outdoors, make sure it has access to fresh water. Daume also suggests putting a small kiddie pool out for larger breeds, such as labs, to cool off in. Always make sure to keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced area to prevent potential accidents. In addition, owners should be aware of the threat posed to their animals by insect-born illnesses. "Mosquitos are going to be a huge concern this year because of all the flood water, so heartworms will be an issue," Daume said. It is especially important to make sure your dog is on a monthly heartworm preventetive and not to skip dosages. Keeping your dog indoors during the time of day when mosquitos are out, at dusk and dawn, is an easy additional step in protecting your family pet.

Pool Safety

Although large, in-ground pools may appear to pose the greatest safety risks, Mark Hasheider, Assistant Fire Chief of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department said small wading pools and buckets of water can prove just as dangerous for children. "Children can drown in a small amount of water and it's important that parents supervise children at all times when they are near a pool, no matter how big it is," Hasheider said. He suggests pool owners take safety measures, such as removing inflatable toys to prevent children from going into an unsupervized pool and placing ladders into the pool when not in use, to keep children from falling in. Hasheider said lakes, rivers and streams can be dangerous to everyone, including seasoned swimmers, especially if the lakes and rivers are non-approved. "Swimmers get into trouble with currents," Hasheider said. "Diving can be dangerous as well. You shouldn't dive into areas if the water is dark and you can't see any possible under-water abstructions. The department always gets a number of calls each season for diving-related injuries."