As Glenn Frey once sang, the heat is on! And in Mississippi, health officials are encouraging the public to prioritize safety during the summer months.
As the temperatures elevate, more Mississippians are expected to get out and about, enjoying nature on a beach or perhaps at a state lake or by a grill. Regardless, if you’re planning to spend a lengthy amount of time in the great outdoors this summer, the Mississippi State Department of Health asks you to do so with basic precautions being exhausted.
Officials offer the following safety tips to protect residents from the elements:
- Protect yourself from heat stroke by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. Body temperature can rise to 106 degrees within 10 minutes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1,220 people in the United States die from extreme heat annually.
- Avoid mosquito-borne illnesses by using a repellent such as DEET, covering your arms and legs when outside, staying away from mosquito-prone areas in the mornings and evenings, and removing sources of standing water around your home.
- Wear sunscreen rated SPF-15 or higher with UVA and UVB protection. Serious sunburns can double the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Unprotected skin can be harmed by UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. When in the sun, cover up with loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brim hat, and seek shade during midday hours.
- Stay safe around water by following these tips: Never swim alone, constantly watch children, learn CPR, avoid drinking alcohol, install a fence around pools and remove toys. You should also know your local weather conditions and forecasts.
- Keep foods chilled when outside to reduce foodborne illnesses. Don’t let foods sit out for more than two hours (one hour if temp is higher than 90 degrees).
The public is also reminded to avoid leaving small children in hot vehicles and encouraged to check on older or vulnerable adults.