Citizen Corps Council of Schuylkill County and Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency urge residents to make summer safety a priority. While summer provides us with bright sunny skies and more opportunities to be outside enjoying our surroundings, it also brings high temperatures, severe storms and insects, all of which can be hazardous to your health.

During the summer months, residents of Schuylkill County must be aware that temperatures can reach dangerous levels. Everyone needs to be mindful of the risks posed by high temperatures, high humidity and poor air quality.

High temperatures elevate the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. An awareness of the warning signs and taking a few precautions can assure that you will not become a victim.

First, drink plenty of water, even when you don’t feel thirsty. Water will keep you hydrated and help control your body temperature. Try to avoid beverages that contain caffeine and alcohol. If you are on fluid restrictions because of a medical condition, make sure you check with your physician before increasing fluid intake.

Keep cool by taking a cool shower or bath or staying somewhere that has air conditioning. Area shopping malls and libraries are good places to relax during the hottest parts of the day. During extreme heat emergencies, the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services maintains cooling stations at the area Senior Centers. If seniors do not have transportation to one of these centers, they should check with the Office of Senior Services at 800-832-3313.

Refrain from working outside during the afternoon; if you must be outside, wear light colored clothes, take frequent breaks and stay out of the sun. If you have to be in the sun be sure to wear a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen.

Remember! NEVER leave children, elderly, or pets in vehicles alone!

Signs of trouble. If you begin to feel weak, dizzy, or nauseated and have a headache, you may be getting heat exhaustion. Remove tight fitting clothes, move to a cooler place, and apply cool cloths to the body. Drink cool water slowly every fifteen minutes.

Signs you may be suffering from heat stroke include changes in consciousness, a rapid pulse, shallow breathing, and high body temperature. Quickly call 911 and move to a cooler place. Place the feet slightly elevated while laying down and lay in a cool bath or wrap cool towels around the body.

Severe storms accompanied with lightening and high winds can be very dangerous. While we cannot control the storms, there are some simple actions we can take to protect ourselves and our property.

• Clean up any dead limbs or branches from around your home.
• Secure small, loose objects such as patio furniture to prevent damage.
• When a storm approaches, go inside. Do not shower or talk on the phone and turn off electronic devices. If you cannot get inside, find a low lying area and stay there until the storm passes.
• Once the storm is over, remember to watch for debris and downed power lines. Do a quick inspection of your home to check for damage.

Other precautions that are easy to follow will help you enjoy a fun-filled and safe summer. Use insect repellent with DEET and wear light weight clothing with long sleeves and long pants when walking in wooded areas. Insects are especially active at dusk and dawn. Check with your pediatrician for guidelines on insect repellent with young children.

Lather on the sunscreen. Research shows that most of us do not use enough. Apply often throughout the day during periods of prolonged sun exposure or high activity. Cover all exposed surfaces, including tops of ears, scalp where there is thinning or no hair, bony surfaces and nose. Remember that most water-resistant sunscreens lose their SPF after 40 minutes in the water while water proof sunscreens need to be reapplied after 90 minutes. Again, follow your pediatrician’s recommendations for very young children.

When enjoying the active life of rollerblading or riding bicycles, always wear a helmet! This practice is not limited to young children. Whether you’re 6 or 60, helmets help to prevent brain injuries.

Citizen Corps Council and Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency wish you a healthy, active and safe summer.

R U Ready?