Seasonal Safety
Summer Safety
Summer is a great time to be outdoors! However, there are some precautions you must take when you're having fun in the sun.
Rising temperatures can have large impact on our community. Hot weather can not only be uncomfortable it can be dangerous to personal health. Being exposed to high to high temperatures can lead to sunburn, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.
On hot days, limit high intensity activities and drink plenty of fluids to avoid heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion are excessive sweating, cramping, thirst, dizziness, and headache. Wearing sunscreen can protect you from painful sunburns and decrease your chance of skin cancer.
Remember, never leave your children or animals unattended in your car! The heat exposure can be deadly.
Swimming and cooling off in your local lake, river, or pool can be a fun way to beat the heat. However, it can become deadly very quickly. Drowning occurs too often in Washington during the summer. To help prevent drowning, know your limits and the water conditions! Swimming in open water can be more difficult than a pool. Swimmers can tire more quickly and find themselves unable to get to shore. Water in Western Washington rarely gets warm and sudden immersion into cold water can lead to "shock" making it difficult to swim. Rivers can run fast causing swimmers to be swept away and log jams or rocks can force someone under water. It can be incredibly difficult to resurface.
To protect yourself in the water, wear a life-jacket that properly fits, swim in an area with a lifeguard, and stay sober when you're in the water
Summer is peak wildfire season. Wildfires are often caused by human activity so never leave a campfire unattended, pay attention to burn bans, and practice safe firework habits. Smoke from wildfires can cause poor air quality levels and impact health. If air quality levels are unhealthy, limit time outdoors and keep windows shut.
Have a great summer!