Having a Safe Summer Vacation
The beautiful summer months are upon us, and many Missourians are zipping up their travel bags, stocking their coolers with ice and packing their cars in preparation for vacation. Traversing the countryside and visiting different areas around our gorgeous state is always one the most enjoyable experiences of the year for thousands of Missouri travelers. Visiting the wonderful lakes, rivers, state parks and natural areas across Missouri makes for an affordable and enjoyable family trip.
Vacations often coincide with some of the most pleasurable weather of the year, yet they can be subject to the most severe conditions as well. In an effort to improve knowledge and safety about the dangers of severe summer weather, the National Weather Service, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the State Emergency Management Agency have declared June 19-25 as “Missouri Summer Weather Safety Week.”
Two of the most common weather occurrences addressed in the campaign are severe thunder storms and excessive heat. In 2015, 17 deaths were attributed to heat-related causes, and two people were struck and killed by lightning. As we get ready to travel, hike, bike and camp this summer, there are a few important safety tips and facts to keep in mind.
Lightning Safety
· Remember there is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. Seek shelter in a nearby vehicle or building if a storm develops. If you are inside, stay inside.
· Listen to the weather forecast before your trip and learn the weather patterns of the area you are visiting.
· While camping/hiking, avoid traveling far from a safe vehicle or building and keep away from tall, isolated trees.
· Set up camp in valleys, ravines or other low areas and stay away from water and metal objects such as fences and poles.
Heat Safety
· Summer heat waves can last multiple days and can lead to illness and exposure stress.
· High humidity can make excessive heat more dangerous. Check the weather forecast often before a trip to be better prepared.
· The elderly population is the most vulnerable to the dangers of heat, followed by infants, young children and people with chronic health problems.
· Drink plenty of water and fruit juices, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid beverages with alcohol and caffeine during high-heat times.
· Do not leave children or pets unattended in closed vehicles. Temperatures in a car with the windows up can reach 140 degrees within minutes.
The most important safety tip is to use your common sense while traveling or enjoying the outdoors. By knowing some safety tips and staying updated on current weather conditions, you can ensure that your family has a fun time this summer. For more information on “Summer Weather Safety Week,” visitwww.weather.gov/lsx/summerweathersafetyweek.
There is one concern summer travelers vacationing out of the country should be aware of during these next few months, and that is the current danger surrounding the Zika virus. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zika is spread primarily through infected mosquitos’ bites, with the most common symptoms being fever, rash, joint pain and eye problems. The disease caused by the virus is normally not serious enough to send people to the hospital, and most people don’t even develop any symptoms and may not know they’ve been infected. However, pregnant women do run the risk of their child developing serious birth defects if they become infected with the virus while carrying.
So far, six Missourians have contracted the virus while traveling abroad. Vacationers should avoid traveling to any countries where Zika transmissions have been reported. Most of these are southern regions and include places like Mexico, Cape Verde, the Caribbean, Central America, the Pacific Islands and other various South American countries. Even though the number of travel-associated Zika cases in the United States is reaching 700, there have not as yet been any reported local transmissions in the country. This means you’re free from worry as long as you plan on vacationing within the continental U.S. For more information on the Zika virus as well as health updates and safety tips, visit www.cdc.gov/zika/.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or
(573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Caldwell, Carroll, Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Ray and Saline counties in the 21st State Senatorial District.
