Happy Independence Day!
Don’t you just love summertime? There is nothing like being in Door County during the summer! It’s time to get that barbecue grill fired up, pull up the lawn chairs, invite the family over for a cookout, sip on some lemonade and watch the kids play in the sprinklers. It just doesn’t get any better than that, does it? With all the cookouts, hot summer weather, fireworks and water activities, we want to remind you to be safe and healthy this summer season! Here are some “common-sense” safety tips to keep in mind that I received from my friend, Verl Workman:
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated (sorry folks, sodas don’t count!)
- Remember to always use sunscreen, wear a hat and cover up or go inside during the hottest part of the day (11 am to 4 pm typically).
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold! Items containing mayo, eggs, or dairy products can quickly go bad in the summer heat. When in doubt, throw it out----A trip to the ER with food poisoning isn’t much fun.
- Always fully cook all meats on the grill.
- Use mosquito repellent to keep those pesky bugs at bay.
- If you drink alcoholic beverages—please drink responsibly and don’t drive.
- And remember, alcohol will dehydrate you—so make sure to drink plenty of water as well.
- If you must exercise outside—make sure you do so early in the morning or late in the evening—and carry plenty of water with you.
- Heat stroke can be a deadly condition—make sure you know the symptoms: http://www.medicinenet.com/heat_stroke/article.htm
- Only use “legal” fireworks—and if you live in a restricted area for fireworks, follow your community regulations! The fire department has enough to do without people setting off fireworks where banned.
- A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks activities.
- Never give fireworks to young children.
- If you’re boating, please wear your flotation vests—even the best swimmer needs to!
- Keep your pets safe and sound inside the house—fireworks are extremely loud to the sensitive ears of an animal. During firework season, many animals left outside get frightened and run away—the Humane Society always reports an increase in lost animals this time of year.
- Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water at all times to help it cope with the heat—and never, ever leave a pet unattended in a vehicle—inside temperatures can top 120 degrees in about 30 minutes—even if you’re parked in the shade.
I wish you and your family a wonderful 4th of July! And if you have a friend or loved one serving this great country in one of the branches of the military, please remember to thank them for their courageous service – this country would not be what it is today without the efforts of so many brave men and women who serve for all of us.
