Stay Safe and Sound This Fourth Of July

By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

What could possibly go wrong with explosives and a match?

This Saturday is the fourth of July, and most people plan to sit outside, barbecue something, relax with friends and enjoy a loud, colorful and explosive firework show as the night's finale.

Firework Safety

In Texas, you are allowed to purchase and ignite fireworks on your own property. The best way to safely enjoy the holiday is to attend a public firework show put on by licensed professionals, but if you decide to put on your show at home, we've got you covered.

Here are some safety tips for those of you setting off fireworks at home:

1. Never allow children to play to fireworks. 

2. Keep flames away from loose clothing and face.

3. Don’t make your own fireworks.

4. Always use fireworks outside. 

5. Keep a bucket of water or a water hose nearby just in case. 

6. Light firecrackers one at a time.

7. Never aim fireworks at other people or yourself.

8. Soak firework remnants in water before discarding in trash.

9. Only buy fireworks from licensed stores, tents and stands. Don’t purchase fireworks from persons on the street or at a home, usually these are transactions of illegal fireworks. Legal fireworks have bright colored packaging and a distinct warning label on the wrapping. Illegal fireworks aren’t packaged and are usually wrapped in brown paper.

10. Ignite fireworks away from the home, brush, leaves and other flammable materials.

According to the National Fire Protection Association approximately 50,000 fires a year are caused by improper use of fireworks.

Highway Safety:

Thousands of families will be on the road traveling over the weekend, so it’s essential to keep these tips in mind while road-tripping:

1. No texting while driving. This includes emails, Facebook and Twitter!
2. Always wear your seat belt.
3. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Use caution in work zones.
5. Follow the speed limit! 

We want you to enjoy the weekend with your families, and your safety is of great importance to those of us at the Red Cross. Stay safe this holiday weekend, and enjoy the bang! 



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Bring The Heat

By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

This is my favorite time of the year! I sun-kiss the skin of each person who spends time outside and burn those into a crisp who don’t wear any sunscreen.  I tend to be more dangerous than any other weather event throughout the year and regrettably affect the elderly and young children the most, often resulting in death.

I can make you feel sticky within minutes in Austin, Texas, or make you feel like a chocolate chip cookie being baked in an oven in Dallas. I especially like to cause embarrassing pit stains in pools underneath your arms... Sorry, not sorry.

If it weren’t for me, many of you probably wouldn’t consider cold showers or installing a pool, but without me you wouldn’t be able to enjoy those summer barbecues near the beaches and lakes.  I am harsher in the southern hemisphere because the tea is sweeter, and c’mon, the south is better!

Have you guessed what I might be yet?

Trees try to discourage me, but vehicles can’t hide from me. The Red Cross spends a lot of effort trying to protect residents from my reach, however not everyone listens. I’m a nasty pain in the summer, but I can’t help it, I am the summer heat.

During my peak periods, I can make the temperature stay in the 90’s for consecutive days on end. It’s imperative to your health to stay weather aware as I like to change my mood daily. I'm feeling extra cheery this morning and will you give some tips on how we can stay friends and not enemies over the next few months.  

If you plan on spending the day outside, make sure you have plenty of water on hand. Water is cheap y’all and essential to your fight against me. You should also wear plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin because I like to punish the ones who don’t. It’s not cute to look like a walking lobster, am I right?

Dress in light colored clothing that is loose fitting and lightweight. I am attracted to dark clothing, I like it when it's tall, dark and handsome. I turn up the heat to make sure you know my presence, so stick to light and airy materials.  

Slow down on strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. I’m not as angry after 7 p.m. and still too tired between 4-7 a.m. to burn you. If you have to be outside because your job requires you to see me, wear a hat and stay hydrated. You need to replenish what you lose in sweat!

Common Heat Sickness Symptoms:

·         Feeling nauseous

·         Flushed and/or pale skin

·         Dizziness

·         Heavy sweating

·         Severe headaches

If I’ve caused you to have any of these symptoms (sorry in advance!) go to a cooler area in the shade or in an air-conditioned building. Administer cool cloths directly on to your skin and drink cool water slowly, approximately one glass every 15 minutes. Loosen any restricting clothing and try to relax. If symptoms continue to worsen call 9-1-1 immediately!

Nothing makes me sadder than when individuals leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even if it’s for a few minutes. Don’t do it, please! The inside of a vehicle heats up quickly and rapidly becomes a death trap for anyone left inside.

Heat Related Terms You Should Know:

·         Heat Cramps are muscle tremors and pains that can affect the calves, abdomen, back and arms. It’s an early sign your body is having trouble with the hot temperatures. They are painful spasms that need to be treated if cramps continue well after an hour.

·         Heat Exhaustion is when the blood travels to your skin cells and not through your vital organs. This can cause your brain to go into mild shock if left untreated. This occurs in victims who frequently work outside for their job or exercise outdoors. Profuse sweating results in fluid loss, so always carry extra water to replenish!

·         Heat Stroke occurs when the body’s natural temperature control system fails and sweating won’t help cool the body down. This is life threatening and must be treated immediately! Please call 9-1-1 for immediate attention!

Common Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

·         Hot, red and dry skin

·         Loss of conciseness

·         A rapid or weakened pulse

·         Shallow breathing

I have given you all that you need to know, so don’t ignore it! I might not be this nice again. Summer is for enjoying fun and friends, don’t let me ruin it! I just get too excited sometimes when I see you all enjoying my rays!

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Summer Festival Survival Guide

by Micaela Rosinski, intern contributor

2012 H2O Music Festival in Dallas

The sun is out longer, the temperature is rising; summer is here. And summer in DFW means a plethora of festivals to attend. From food to countless music genres, there is something to cater to a variety of interests. As you set out to create summer memories, be ready to survive the heat and prepared for anything that may come your way!

1. Check the weather.
More than likely, it will be hot and humid the day of the event. However, always check the weather before you go so you can dress appropriately.

2. Don’t forget anything!
Make a checklist on your cellphone to go over before you leave for the event. You will have much more fun if you remember tickets, sun protection gear, extra cash, and a form of identification.

3. Is that enough sunscreen? Add more.
As you prepare to spend all day in the Texas sun, generously apply sunscreen before you leave. A broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect from UVA and UVB rays should be used.

4. Choose clothing wisely.
Whatever festival you choose, it probably does not have a swimming pool. Leave the swimsuit at home and pick an outfit that will be comfortable in the heat and also help protect your skin. Ladies, reach for that adorable hat and new pair of sunglasses you have been dying to wear. Guys, there is nothing wrong with wanting to save your eyes and skin, too. 

Also, choose a supportive pair of shoes that will be comfortable after hours of walking and dancing. Close-toed shoes are a great option to help protect your feet from the ten people that will inevitably step on you.

My Styling Ideas

5. Stay together.
If you go with a big group or one other person, stay together. Losing each other in a crowd of thousands as everyone is trying to use a cell phone can prove to be a tough situation. Keep each other safe and leave with who you arrived with!

6. Stay hydrated!
Keep a bottle of water with you at all times. You will be active and sweating in the heat for a long period of time. No one wants to be the person that passes out at the festival. Drink plenty of water and make sure your friends do as well!

7. Music festival? Save your hearing.
Yes, it is an absolute blast to stand in front of the stage and have a ringing in your ears for a few days to follow. However, no one will think less of you for wearing ear plugs. Disposable ear plugs can be purchased at a low cost so you can enjoy the day without consequences. (Think you are too cool? Even guitar manufacturer, Fender, sells disposable ear plugs for concerts!)

8. Know the signs of dehydration and heat stroke.
If you or anyone you are with begins to not feel well, get help immediately. Most festivals will have first aid stations set up throughout the venue.

• Signs of dehydration include: dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, headache, dizziness, lack of sweat, or few or no tears when crying.
• Signs of heat stroke include: high body temperature, lack of sweating, muscle cramps or weakness, flushed skin, or nausea.

9. Have fun!

Now, if only we had palm trees..

DFW is a great place to be in the summer. Get out there and have a great time!

Not sure what festival is right for you? Check out this list of upcoming events in the DFW area.

• Taste of Dallas: July 12-14
• H2O Music Festival: August 17
• VANS Warped Tour: August 2
• SausageFest 105.3 The Fan: August 10
• Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival: August 4

For more information about heat safety, visit RedCross.org.

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