SUMMER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
 

1. A mishap is any unplanned, unexpected, or undesirable event causing
injury, occupational illness, death, or property damage. To minimize the
chance that we will be involved in a mishap this summer, each of us must
take responsibility for identifying and managing the risks inherent in our
summertime activities. By anticipating the unexpected, and having a plan on
how we will manage changing conditions, we can greatly reduce the likelihood
that a mishap will occur. Use the following safety information to help
identify potential risks you may face this summer.

2. Heat injuries. Be aware of the dangers associated with heat exposure and
take steps to protect yourself.

 A. Heat cramps. These painful cramps occur when the body loses large
amounts of salt, minerals, and fluid. Large muscles such as the legs, arms,
and abdomen are particularly susceptible. Heat cramps can occur alone or can
be accompanied by heat exhaustion. The body temperature is usually normal.
Prevention: take frequent breaks and drink fluids. First aid: replacement of
electrolytes and fluids is a primary concern. Do not give salt tablets to
persons with high blood pressure. Salt from a normal diet is sufficient.
Drink plenty of fluid and eat foods rich in potassium.

 B. Heat exhaustion. With heat exhaustion, the victim sweats profusely,
feels weak and nauseated, and sometimes will vomit. The skin is cool, moist,
and pale. Body temperature may be slightly elevated. Prevention: reduce
workload, drink plenty of fluid and take breaks. First aid: take the victim
to a shady area and have him/her drink plenty of water to cool the body.

 C. Heat stroke. Heat stroke results when the body loses control of its
thermo-regulatory mechanism, and the main avenue of heat loss (cooling by
evaporation of sweat) is blocked. Body temperature may rise in excess of 106
degrees. This is a life-threatening emergency. The individual stops
sweating, the pulse is weak and rapid, the skin is hot and dry, and the
victim can go into convulsions or lose consciousness. Prevention: follow the
same preventive measures for heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Be wary of the
signs and symptoms as the onset of heatstroke is sudden. First aid: get
medical assistance as soon as possible. Immediately cool the body. Take the
individual to shade, loosen clothing, wet the victims skin and fan them. In
extreme cases, use an ice bath if available or immerse the victim in cool
water to reduce core temperature. One attack of heat stroke predisposes a
person to a second attack, so  avoid subsequent exposures.

3. Insect-borne disease prevention. During warmer months, insects capable of
transmitting disease are more active. The following guidance can help to
protect you against insect-borne diseases.

 A. Ticks. Ticks can carry diseases such as lyme disease, rocky mountain
spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. Ticks are typically not found in
well-manicured lawns, but in tall grasses or brush. Avoid these areas and
use insect repellents to reduce your risk of disease. Wear light colored
clothing (allows you to see ticks crawling) and tuck pants into boots in
areas where ticks are present. After returning from tick-infested areas,
check all body parts for ticks using a hand-held or full length mirror
(especially the groin, armpit, behind the knees and in head hair). To remove
ticks safely, use fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin
surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist
or jerk the tick as the mouthparts could break off and remain in the skin
(if so, remove the mouthparts with tweezers). Do not squeeze, crush or
puncture the body of the tick. After removing the tick, disinfect the bite
site and wash hands with soap and water. Save the tick to assist medical
personnel in identification should illness occur.

 B. Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as west nile virus, st
louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, dengue fever, malaria, and
yellow fever. The risk of these diseases can be significantly reduced by
eliminating mosquito breeding areas. Drain all standing water, naturally
occurring or manmade. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved
shirts. Use insect repellents to reduce your risk of disease.

 C. For more information on rocky mountain spotted fever, lyme disease,
ehrlichiosis, west nile virus, dengue fever, malaria, st louis encephalitis,
and yellow fever, see the following website:
https://www.cdc.gov/DiseasesConditions/

4. Insect repellents and insecticides. The most effective insect repellent
ingredient is commonly known as deet. Products containing 30 to 35 percent
deet offer the best protection with the lowest possibility of side effects.
Rarely, some people may have adverse reactions to deet. Since very young
children are more vulnerable, adults should apply deet-containing repellent
to children. Don't apply deet to infants less than 2 months old. Be aware
that deet can also dissolve plastics such as watch crystals and eyeglass
lenses. Deet containing insect repellent is available in the stock system
(6840-01-284-3982).

5. Weather safety. Thunderstorms can feature winds that can exceed 100 mph
and rival the damage caused by a tornado. Flash flooding, the number one
cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms, killed more than 76 people in
2006. Tornados can produce winds in
excess of 250 mph and stay on the ground for 50 miles. Tornados caused 67
fatalities and 898 injuries in 2006, and lightning resulted in 47 fatalities
and 246 injuries.  Early warning is the key to implementing risk mitigation
strategies related to weather. Whenever your plans will take you outdoors,
review the forecast beforehand and take a weather radio with you to obtain
information on changing weather or approaching storms. More information can
be found at:
https://www.weather.gov/

6. Sun exposure. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (uv) radiation, which can
cause premature aging, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer, including
melanoma. The american cancer society estimates that more than one million
americans get skin cancer each year, leading to over 12,000 deaths. Protect
yourself by limiting exposure between 1000 and 1600. If you must be out,
wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and a wide brim hat, or use sunscreens
with a skin protection factor (spf) of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreens 30
minutes before going out into the sun, ensure all exposed skin is covered
and reapply periodically. Wear uv-absorbent sunglasses, and remember,
sunlight reflected by water and sand exposes you to greater uv rays.  More
information can be found at:

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/

7. Food borne illness. Be cautious about food preparation and handling.
Clean - wash hands and food preparation surfaces often. Separate - avoid
cross contamination of cooked and uncooked food during preparation, grilling
and serving - this is a prime cause of food borne illness. Cook - to ensure
that harmful bacteria is killed, use a food thermometer to ensure meats are
cooked to the proper temperature when using a grill. Chill - keep cold foods
cold. Meats and salads should be kept in an insulated cooler packed with
several inches of ice. Keep coolers out of vehicle trunks and store in a
shaded area. Replenish ice in coolers frequently to keep the temperature
range constant. Put leftover perishables back on ice once you finish eating
so they dont spoil. More information can be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/

more information about the "critical days of summer" can be found at:

HTTP://WWW.SAFETYCENTER.NAVY.MIL/SEASONAL/CRITICALDAYS/DEFAULT.HTM.