Summer

Going on a Summer Vacation?

1) Close and lock all doors and windows. Slide locks are recommended for sliding glass doors.

2) Leave blinds and curtains in their
normal position so the house doesn't have a "closed-down" look.

3) Move expensive electronic equipment or other attractive items away from windows. Engrave some identification on your property. It gives burglars less incentive to take it and may help with quicker recovery if they do.

4) Ask a close friend or neighbor to
inspect the place regularly, and collect the mail and newspaper. If that's not possible, temporarily cancel the newspaper and have the post office hold your mail.

5) Set a timer so lights automatically turn on and off.

6) Never hide spare keys outside the house.

Staying Home?

In addition to basic first-aid medications, stock these items in your medicine chest for routine summer mishaps: roll bandages, sterile gauze pads, blunt-tipped scissors, tweezers for removing ticks or splinters, elastic bandage for wrapping sprained joints or strained muscles, ice pack and thermometer. AND DON'T FORGET: a first-aid manual.

Heat Stress

You're out for a jog. The outdoor thermometer reads 100 F. You feel faint, then fade into nausea. Your heart beats rapidly. Surprisingly, your skin is cold, clammy and pale. These are signs of heat exhaustion, a mild form of heat stress. A more serious form called "heatstroke" can be life-threatening.

1) Go immediately to a shady spot or air-conditioned room.

2) Lie down with your feet raised.

3) Loosen or remove clothing.

4) Drink cold water-not iced- with one teaspoon of salt per quart.

5) When assisting someone with heat stress, watch for signs of heatstroke: confusion, fainting and a body temperature over 102 F. Those call for immediate medical care.

Summer Safety

Warmer weather can mean more fun, but it can also mean more risk of injury. Here's what to pack to be prepared.

ON THE ROAD : Whether traveling for work or play, be sure to bring a first-aid kit that includes: sunscreen, insect repellent, adhesive bandages, thermometer, pain reliever, antacid, anti-diarrheal medication, syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting in case of accidental poisoning and hydrocortisone cream to ease rashes and stings.

ON THE WATER : All boats should carry a wearable life preserver, also called a personal flotation device, for each person on board. IMPORTANT: wear a life preserver at all times when boating. Most accidental boating deaths could have been prevented if the victim had been wearing one.

IN THE WOODS : Pack a basic first aid kit, map, compass, pocket knife, flashlight with extra batteries, whistle or flare, emergency blanket, waterproof matches and a tube or fire-starter for unplanned overnights. RULE OF THUMB: bring 1-2 quarts of water per person per day and more food than you think you need. PLUS: a bee sting kit for anyone allergic to insect stings.