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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Tips for a Safe Texas Summer

Written by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

For many Texans, summer conjures up images of backyard barbeques, pool parties and days spent at one of the many beautiful lakes in Texas. However, summer fun also comes with some inherent safety risks. 

Good news is you can prevent illness, injuries and trips to the emergency room this summer by following these simple, yet important safety tips.

1. Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of cold fluids and water on hot days, especially when exercising. Avoid drinks with sugar and alcohol as they will cause your body to dehydrate more quickly.

2. Always wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors and re-apply every two hours. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration urges consumers to look for a sunscreen with an SPF level of at least 30 and “broad spectrum” protection to fight against all forms of cancer-causing ultraviolet rays.

3. Wear a helmet and safety gear when riding a bike, skateboard, scooter, horse or all-terrain vehicle. Studies have shown that the use of bicycle helmets is effective in preventing head injuries.

4. Never leave a child unattended by water. If a child is missing, check the water first because seconds can make a difference in saving a life. Always use the buddy system while swimming- even at a public pool or lifeguarded beach.

5. Wear a life jacket when boating. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the majority of drowning fatalities occur because the victim was not wearing a life jacket. Also, never consume alcohol while operating a boat or any motor-vehicle as it can impair your judgment and coordination.

6. Only use charcoal and propane grills when outdoors and make sure to place them far away from the home, deck railings or any overhanging branches. According to the U.S. Fire Department, the majority of home fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace, patio or balcony.

7. Lastly, prepare yourself by enrolling in a Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid, or CPR/AED course and learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Make this summer one to remember- for all the right reasons. For more information on how to stay safe this summer or to enroll in a safety course, visit http://www.redcross.org./

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Video: Swimming and Water Safety

Red Cross experts answer your swimming and water safety questions.

• What are some general water safety tips that I should know and follow?
• So blow up toys, like water wings and rings, aren't safety devices?
• What are the courses in the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program?
• At what age should children start swim lessons?

To find Red Cross swim lessons near you, contact the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter at 214-678-4800.

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Drowning: A Silent Killer

About 3,500 Americans drown each year, averaging ten deaths per day. More than one in five fatal drowning victims are children 14 and younger. A Red Cross survey from 2009 revealed that almost half of those polled nearly drowned in their lifetime. One in four people know someone who has drowned.

How could ten people die every day by drowning? Anita Foster, chief communications officer at the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter, says one reason is many of us have the wrong idea about what to expect when drowning is occurring. Listen to the interview on TheAnchorMom.com

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Dog (and cat) Days of Summer!

What a relief to know we have so many ways to beat the heat in already scorching temperatures. We can head to the pool with the family or take in some complimentary air conditioning at the local movie theater or mall. Unfortunately, our four-legged friends have fewer options than we do, so we have to do the work to make sure our pets are prepared as much as we are.

Pets large and small can get dehydrated quickly and heat stroke can be fatal if not attended to right away. Pets need to always have plenty of fresh, clean water available and a shady place to be able to get out of the sun. It’s always best to keep pets indoors in extreme heat and be sure they do not get over exercised.

Remember that while Fido may be a part of the family and you want to take him with you on every trip to the lake or summer cookout, ask yourself if it’s really be the best choice for him. When temperatures are high, it’s not good for dogs to be on asphalt for extended periods. It can cause your dog’s body to heat up more quickly and can burn sensitive paw pads. Really, would you want to walk across a parking lot barefoot in the hot Texas sun? Neither does Fido.

Also remember that it is never safe to leave an animal in a vehicle for any period of time. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and cracking the windows does not help. Animal’s bodies overheat so quickly that if left in a car – even for a quick run into the store – it could be a potentially fatal situation for them. If that isn’t enough, keep in mind that leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

If a pet becomes overheated, they need immediate attention as heat stroke can set in and become fatal very quickly. Symptoms of overheating include:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling
• Mild weakness
• Stupor or even collapse

As the situation becomes more serious, symptoms may also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature over 104 degrees. Pay especially close attention to animals that are flat-faced. They are unable to pant as effectively to cool down and are more prone to heat stoke. Other animals that are at higher risk such as elderly, overweight, or pets with heart or lung diseases should be kept in air conditioned rooms as much as possible.

And one final tip to get your party animal stylin’ for summer: A lightweight summer haircut for dogs can help prevent overheating. A one inch length is usually a good standard to go by as you never want to take it down to the skin. A shorter length like this will keep them cooler while still leaving them with some protection from the sun. For cats, a few extra brushing sessions will help prevent problems for them that can be caused by extreme heat.

Learn more Hot Weather Tips for your pet from the ASPCA. While you’re there, check out their section on Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet to be sure the whole family is ready for anything!

Be Red Cross Ready with our Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist!

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Stay Safe This Summer

More Summer Safety Tips

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