Summer Safety Tips: Prevent Heat Illness

After the long winter we had, we too are looking forward to summer. As you start spending more time outdoors it is important you take the proper precautions to ensure you and your loved one stay safe.

To help protect you and your family this summer, here are some safety tips to avoid heat illness:

• NEVER leave any children, pets or adults in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others—infants, young children, people age 65 and over, people who have a mental illness, and people with health conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

Call Hunter Insurance at 401.769.9500, for more helpful tips on keeping safe this summer.