CHICKASHA — Summer is here, and temperatures in Oklahoma have started their reach to the century mark or, in some places, already exceeded it.

Oklahoma’s abundant sun makes our state a great place for outdoor recreation, but it’s important to remember that, during this time of year, the sun can also be deadly. A few common-sense precautions can protect the health and safety of you and your family.

While the very young and the elderly are most at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, even the most physically fit among us can suffer from too much sun. Excessive heat can lead to serious symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, and can even be fatal.

It’s important to drink a lot of water and to limit outside activities to mornings and evenings when the temperatures are lower, especially if you’re not outside much and your body hasn’t acclimated to the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the sunlight and avoid bundling babies in heavy blankets. And, of course, wear sunscreen.

If your home isn’t air conditioned, try to spend a few hours each afternoon someplace cool, like a community center or the local library. Many communities have cooling stations, so contact local health department officials if you are in need of break from the heat.

A few simple measures can help ease the energy costs that come with such high temperatures. By keeping the air moving, ceiling fans decrease the work load of air conditioners while using considerably less energy. Try to limit the time you spend cooking with the oven or range, or using the clothes dryer, during the hotter times of day. Most importantly, check on elderly or ill family members, neighbors and church members. Oklahomans always look out for one another, and catching heat-related illness early can be crucial to preventing tragedy.



mers are a time for vacations with the family, cookouts in the backyard and excursions to the lake. Enjoy these long summer days, but be smart and keep yourself and your family safe.