Sun Safety

"I've got some hot information"

Sunny and hot weather is actually the most dangerous weather of all. Believe it or not, more people die from heat than from floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. What's more, staying out in the sun for long periods of time can damage your skin and cause skin cancer.

"A hot sunny forecast is no guarantee of a treat"

What's so dangerous about hot weather? When your body gets hot, it tries to get rid of the extra heat by sweating and by circulating your blood closer to the skin's surface. When the air is humid, your body may feel temperatures even hotter than what the thermometer says. This is called the "heat index." If it's so hot that your body can't cool down fast enough, you can get heat exhaustion or an even more serious condition called heat stroke. With heat exhaustion, you may start to sweat heavily, your skin may feel cool and clammy, or you may faint or start to throw up. Get to a cool place fast! With heat stroke, your pulse may get fast, your skin may get hot and dry, and you may pass out. If this happens, you need to get to a hospital.

"Don't overbake, play it cool, take a break!"

"Some defense against the swelter is required"

Slow down and limit your physical activity. Take frequent breaks to cool down.
Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Drink lots of water, even when you don't feel thirsty. Alcohol and caffeine actually cause your body to lose fluid.
Eat small meals and eat more often, and avoid lots of protein.
Stay inside. if you don't have air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor out of the sun.
Check on your friends and neighbors; children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to heat. Never leave children or pets in the car when the weather is hot. Even if the windows are open, cars can heat up extremely fast.

"Factor 30 and caution is what I'm advising"

The sun’s rays can burn unprotected skin. This is not only painful, but it can eventually lead to skin cancer. Don’t ever let yourself get sunburned. Half an hour before going outside, apply sunscreen to your exposed skin. Wear a hat and sunglasses. And remember, you can get sunburned even under cloudy skies in the summer!

Key words to the Song:

"Listen up people, cause I've got some hot information,
The blistering weather can bring on the danger we know,
But you can enjoy summer fun and without hesitation,
Don't overbake, play it cool, take a break, take it slow."

Talk with Your Friends and Your Family:
1. How can you protect yourself on hot and sunny days? What should you wear?
2. How can you know when it's time to take a break?
3. How often should you drink water in hot weather?
4. How do you know when someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke?

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