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    Take precautions when enjoying the outdoors this summer

    Take precautions when enjoying the outdoors this summer

    Photo By 1st Lt. Wes Parrell | With the summer season comes an increase in outdoor activities. Soldiers and Airmen...... read more read more

    PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES

    06.30.2016

    Story by Sgt. Wes Parrell 

    Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

    PHOENIX – With the summer season officially upon us, much of Arizona is already experiencing 100+ degree days. This means safety must be a top priority for service members and their families as they enjoy outdoor activities.

    Soldiers and Airmen are generally prepared and plan for potential hazards during training, and these skills should extend into one’s personal life as well, especially involving recreational activities.

    “Military service has taught each of you to anticipate and plan and we should apply that in all aspects of your lives,” said Brig. Gen. John Hoefert, land component commander of the Arizona Army National Guard.

    Depending on where service members live in the state, summer heat can range from warm and rainy to extremely hot. With the heat comes the danger of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. All of these are preventable by following some basic precautions.

    Avoid mid-day heat and watch the weather report for heat advisories. Make sure to drink plenty of water and remember that sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol can further dehydrate the body. Also, ensure that water is in plentiful supply regardless of the activity.

    Overconsumption of alcohol is a contributing factor to many senseless and avoidable tragedies which occur each year.

    “If you are going to drink, do so responsibly,” Hoefert said. “Plan your trip and designate a driver. There is never an excuse to drink and drive.”

    Wear plenty of sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outside and reapply at least every two hours. Make sure that everyone is properly dressed for the weather as well. Hats and sunglasses may just seem like fashion accessories, but both work to protect the face and eyes from harmful rays and should be worn outdoors whenever possible.

    Many tragedies revolve around water each year and many are preventable. Consuming alcohol, not wearing the proper safety equipment and lack of supervision are the leading factors to boating accidents, and drownings. Know personal limits and everyone should pay close attention to new or inexperienced swimmers.

    Many of the state’s urban areas enjoy the accessibility to expansive wilderness areas and hiking trails. All too often, people perceive a false sense of security in that civilization and urban development is nearby, and many times within view of these popular trailheads. Even on hikes planned for only a few hours, hikers should bring plenty of water and snacks for at least twice the amount of time they expect to be on the trail. Unforeseen injury, changes in weather conditions, or the possibility of coming across another hiker who has experienced an unfortunate event could delay plans and place hikers in danger as well.

    Summer would not be complete without barbecues and family gatherings. One of the most overlooked hazards to personal health is food safety. Pay attention to proper food preparation, handling and storage procedures. Consumption of food that has not been cooked properly, left exposed, or prepared on unclean surfaces or with unclean utensils can lead to unwanted illness.

    Just as temperatures rise sharply in the day, they can drop just as dramatically at night. This paired with limited rainfall leads to regional restrictions to open fires throughout the state. Whether it is related to barbecues, campfires, or fireworks, fire safety can never be overstressed. Having water or a fire extinguisher staged near an open fire, clearing the area of consumable debris and knowing the laws in your area will keep you safe from a potentially disastrous event.

    “Our people are our greatest asset,” Hoefert said. “They are also mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers. We owe it to ourselves and to our loved ones to act safely both on and off duty.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.30.2016
    Date Posted: 06.30.2016 16:50
    Story ID: 202922
    Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US

    Web Views: 72
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN