Things to watch out for while outside this summer

A great summer hike could mean coming into contact with plants that will make life difficult. Poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak all have one thing in common: urushiol. That’s the oil that causes the blistering rash that comes with an unbearable side of itchiness 12 to 72 hours after contact. To counteract the effects, use calamine lotion or corticosteroid cream to relieve the itch.

Hot dogs are big part of summer, especially during July Fourth’s annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. However, those tubes of meat aren’t so innocent, with 17% of food-related choking caused by hot dogs. Choking is the 19th most common cause of death in the United States, and a man died after asphyxiating during a hot dog-eating contest in South Dakota in 2014.

Summer and swimming go hand in hand, but every day roughly 10 people drown by accident. In June, world champion skier Bode Miller tragically lost his 19-month-old daughter after she fell into a pool. To keep kids safe, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends erecting a pool fence that has self-closing and self-latching gates.

While shoes may keep human soles safe during summer, burning hot pavement can do serious damage to dogs and other animals. Look for limping, refusal to walk, and blistering as signs that a pet’s foot has been burned by the pavement. A vet should be contacted for medical advice immediately. 

July marks the beginning of tropical storm season as warm oceanic temperatures and atmospheric conditions combine to reach peak conditions for cyclone formation. Storms are most prevalent in areas with high moisture and humidity, meaning southeastern United States and other tropical areas are more prone to storm activity compared to dryer, cooler areas.

Americans are currently three times more likely than an earlier time to suffer infections from disease-carrying insects, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scientists believe rising global temperatures are to blame for the increase in mosquito-related illnesses like dengue fever, West Nile virus, and the Zika virus. The Environmental Protection Agency currently endorses products containing DEET, Picaridin, and lemon-eucalyptus oil to help keep mosquitoes away.

Pollen, mold, and fruits are just a few culprits that can lead to summertime allergy outbreaks. Specific symptoms to look for include dark circles under the eyes, mouth-breathing, and lines across the nose. Common symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes are also signs to take seriously. Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can provide immediate relief. However, an appointment with an allergist may be in order if symptoms last for more than two weeks.

Summer monsoons normally occur between April and September, and bring heavy rains with them. Monsoons happen more often in places like India, Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian countries that depend on rain for their agriculture. In North America, a monsoon usually occurs just once a year between July and September, and can lead to deadly floods in places like Mexico and southwestern states.

It’s not just Great White sharks that pose danger to humans. Tiger sharks, bull sharks and oceanic whitetips are also major threats if they come into contact with swimmers. If a shark appears, don’t panic. Try maintaining eye contact because sharks prefer to ambush their prey. As long as the shark is visible, it’s less likely to attack.

It feels like bees are everywhere when the temperatures start to rise. That’s because bees are most active during the warmer months, especially after a rainy winter. If a swarm of bees heads your way, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends running away as fast as you can and pulling your shirt over your face to protect from stings. Jumping in water may seem like an effective way to escape a swarm, but it’s not—the bees will just wait until you come up for air.

Staying out in the sun too long can lead to serious consequences. When body temperature reaches above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, heat stroke can occur and bring symptoms like confusion, agitation, nausea, rapid breathing, and headache. If you see someone suffering heat stroke, move them to a cooler place and place cool towels on their head to lower their internal temperature. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

When temperatures rise in the summer, bad ozone gas gets trapped in the atmosphere and creates smog. The result is air that’s hard to breathe, as smog irritates the respiratory system and reduces lung function. When smog and ozone levels are at unhealthy levels, it’s best to avoid spending time outside.

Boating accidents were the cause of 658 deaths in 2017. Close to 85% of people that drowned in boating accidents weren’t wearing life jackets, meaning many of those deaths could have been prevented. When enjoying time on a boat this summer, putting on a life jacket could ultimately save lives.

Lightning strikes the planet 8 million times a day. When it strikes, the electrical current can travel up to 100 feet over the ground. The CDC advises people to avoid laying down during lightning storms and to stay away from water. More than anything, they recommend staying indoors when thunder can be heard because lightning is on the way.

More people are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined—90% of non-melanoma skin cancers can be traced to UV ray exposure from the sun. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scorpion stings can be extremely painful and potentially fatal. Found most often in deserts, 30 of the estimated 1,500 species of scorpions have venom that can induce premature death. If stung, ice the site of the sting and head to the emergency room for treatment that may include anti-venom.

July Fourth is a popular time for firework celebrations. However, fireworks were responsible for over 11,000 injuries in 2016. What’s more, over 7,500 of those injuries occurred during the month surrounding the holiday. Firework injuries most often include burns to the hands, feet, and face. Never let children play with fireworks, and leave firework shows to trained professionals.

Since electrical outlets are everywhere, it may seem silly that electricity is on this list. However, summer is when people most enjoy aquatic activities like swimming and sailing. Sailboats with tall masts can easily come into contact with dangerous overhead power lines. Electric shock drowning is another danger that’s often fatal and occurs when electricity—from a dock, marina, hot tub, etc.—seeps into water and effectively paralyzes those swimming in the water. A good rule of thumb is to stay away from any source of electricity when engaging in aquatic activities.

This summer is supposed to be one of the worst tick seasons in recent memory. The mild winter and lack of acorns have led to an explosion in tick population. Ticks can carry 16 different diseases and spread them by biting humans. Most often found in the Midwest, the East Coast, and California, ticks can be avoided by staying away from wooded areas, walking in the center of trails, and using EPA-registered insect repellents. It's vital to seek medical attention immediately if bitten by a tick. 

Food safety rarely enters the discussion during summer picnics, but the CDC offers a few good tips to keep food poisoning at bay. Raw meats should be kept in containers with temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and food should be cooked at high temperatures to kill harmful germs. Hand washing is the best way to keep bacteria from spreading when preparing meals. 

Staying inside a hot car on a summer day isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be deadly. Since 1998, 755 children have died as a result of being left in hot cars. On a 100-degree day, a car left out in the sun can reach up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit. This environment can kill a toddler in less than an hour. To quickly cool off a car that’s been left in the sun, fan the doors to let some of the excess heat escape and then drive around with the air conditioning on at maximum capacity.

Kids wait all year until it’s warm enough for them to ride their bikes outside, but bicycle accidents are a serious problem. Recent data shows that 467,000 bicycle-related injuries occurred and over 1,000 bicyclists died in 2015. Simple ways to stay safe on a bike include wearing a helmet, following the rules of the road, and avoiding night-riding as 20% of all bike fatalities occur between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The majority of snakes in North America aren’t poisonous, but watch out for rattlesnakes, copperheads, coral snakes, and water moccasins. Venomous snakes can be found in every state in America except Alaska and bites become extremely painful within 15–30 minutes. If bitten, skip tying a tourniquet or trying to suck out the venom, and get to a hospital immediately.

Dust storms can appear anywhere, but they’re mainly found in the desert regions of Central Asia, North America, Central Africa, and Australia. A recent dust storm in Arizona created a 19-car pileup and killed three people. Dust and sand storms are easy to identify because visibility drops to almost zero. The best way to survive a dust storm is to take shelter or cover up airways to prevent inhaling dust and sand.

Bears aren’t much of a threat during winter because they’re hibernating. However, bears are known to wreck serious havoc in the summer months. Since 1980, 38 people have been injured by grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park. Since 2000, 48 bear-injury fatalities have been reported in North America, with Alaska being the most fatal state for death by bear. Keep yourself safe by carrying bear repellent in areas known to have bears. Pepper spray-like repellent has been found to be 92% effective in fending off bears.  

While ankle injuries are the most common result of water skiing accidents, causes range from getting hit by a bigger boat, coming into contact with propeller blades, and inhaling carbon monoxide from tow boats. Always wear a life jacket and helmet, and slow down to minimize water ski injuries.

As global temperatures rise and rainfall declines, the number of summer wildfires will continue to increase worldwide. On average, wildfires clear 4 to 5 million acres of land in America every year. If a wildfire occurs nearby, the Red Cross recommends listening to the radio for up-to-date information, preparing to evacuate at a moment’s notice, and obtaining a well-stocked emergency kit.

Humans aren’t traditionally prey for alligators, but since 2007 there have been more than 90 gator attacks in Florida alone. Gators can be found in the southeastern states: Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas. However, Florida and Louisiana have the largest alligator populations. Like bears, gators are less active in the winter months, meaning summer is the season to be on alert for attacking alligators.

Heat islands are a phenomenon that occurs in urban areas where excessive heat gets trapped by tall buildings, lack of vegetation, and increased heat exhaust from vehicles. Once a heat island forms, an extremely hot day becomes even hotter. This can lead to an increased risk of heat stroke and organ damage, especially in older people. To combat urban heat islands, cities should install cool pavement and reflective roofs.

Summer’s most dangerous threat is also most inconspicuous. Dehydration occurs when the body doesn’t have enough fluids or electrolytes to function normally. Dehydration symptoms include dizziness, dry skin, and extreme thirst, with later stages leading to death. The simplest way to combat dehydration is to remember to drink lots of water and beverages containing electrolytes.