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Independence Day is no fun if it's interrupted by a trip to the emergency room. Here's some tips from the United States Federal Information Center on how to keep your celebrations safe for all.
Managing the Heat
 The risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke rises along with the temperature and humidity. Heat illnesses occur when the body's cooling mechanism becomes overloaded. When the heat starts to rise - slow down. Regardless of your activity level, drink more fluids - your body needs water to prevent dehydration during warm summer days. Stay away from liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. Stay indoors or in shaded locations; wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; and limit your outdoor activity to morning or evening hours when it is cooler outside.
Signals of Heat Emergencies
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop well after dehydration occurs. Those most prone to heat exhaustion include the elderly, those with high blood pressure, and children. Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; muscle cramps; heavy perspiring; nausea and sometimes vomiting; weakness; dizziness; dry mouth; and a headache.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. It occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. Heat stroke can occur within 10-15 minutes of the first symptoms. Signs of heat stroke include: very high body temperature (above 103 degrees); hot, dry, red skin; no sweating; nausea; dizziness; confusion, disorientation, hallucinations; or loss of consciousness.
 Treatment of Heat Emergencies
If you feel you are suffering from heat exhaustion, it is important to get out of the sun and into a cool place; loosen clothing; drink water/fluids (be sure to avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages); take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath; and rest.
Heat Stroke is a medical emergency - have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Get the person to a shaded area; cool him/her rapidly using whatever methods you can (immerse in a tub of cool water, place in a cold shower, spray with cool water from a garden hose); do not give fluids; if convulsions occur, keep the victim from injuring himself; call the hospital emergency room for further instructions if medical assistance is delayed in responding.
Cooking Outdoors
 No matter what time of the year, more and more people are cooking outdoors. But outdoor cooking during the summer seems to pose a few extra challenges - leaving food out for just a short period of time under the hot sun can result in harmful bacteria rapidly multiplying and it increases the chance of getting foodborne illness. Here are some basic guidelines for safe food handling during the hot summer months:
From Store to Home
- Purchase refrigerated or frozen items after you have selected all your non-perishables.
- Put raw meat/poultry in a plastic bag so juices won't cross-contaminate your fruits or vegetables.
- Immediately refrigerate all perishable items when you get home.
- Completely defrost meat/poultry, so that it cooks more evenly and doesn't leave raw or poorly cooked places.
Transporting
When transporting food to another location, whether on a long family trip or just a short distance to the park, it is important to keep it cold to minimize bacterial growth.
- Keep meats refrigerated until ready to use.
- Pack perishable food from the refrigerator to the cooler just before leaving and keep on ice until ready to use.
- Keep cooler out of direct sunlight and avoid opening it too often.
Hint: Pack beverages in one cooler and foods in another.
 Keep it Clean!
Whether preparing food in your kitchen for the backyard grill or putting it all together at the campground, be sure to keep food surfaces clean. And with so many "cooks in the kitchen", or at the grill, make sure to have plenty of clean utensils and platters on hand. To prevent foodborne illness, don't use the same utensils or platters for raw and cooked meats. If you are headed to the park or campgrounds, find out if there is a source of clean water. If not, bring water for preparing and cleaning. Or pack both dry and wet cloths for cleaning surfaces and hands.
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© 2010
