Top 4 Summer Safety Tips from the Experts

It's the height of summer, and we wanted to check in with some other experts on their summer safety advice. 

1. Protect yourself from the heat
   
   Heat-related illness is one of the most serious summer risks. To protect yourself, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sit in the shade when possible. Stay inside when it's simply too hot out - check your local weather. 
   
   (National Safety Council)
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! 
   
   Water is the most important nutrient, especially in extreme heat. As a rule of thumb, try to drink half your body weight in ounces every day. 
   
   Learn about the importance of water via Live Science.
3. Wear SPF 30 if you'll be in the sun for an extended period of time, and SPF 15 for everyday applications
   
   Did you know that your melanoma (or skin cancer) risk doubles after you've been sunburned five times in your life? That's why it's crucial to wear SPF 30 when you'll be outside for an extended period of time, and reapply every two hours. Use SPF 15 for everyday application when you'll only be out in the sun for short periods of time. 
   
   Also, keep in mind that clouds won't necessarily protect you from the sun, as UV levels can be high even on cloudy days. 
   
   (Westfields Hospital & Clinic)
4.  Carry bear spray in bear country
   
   "Bear experts say bear spray, rather than firearms, is the best method of personal defense in the wild," reported KXLH. Attacking bears can charge at a rate of 50 feet per second, so hitting one with a firearm is much more difficult, since this method requires more accuracy. However, the heavy fog delivery of bear spray helps you cover more ground and maximize the short amount of time you do have when a bear starts to get to close. 
   
   Learn more about what to do in a bear attack in this Frontiersman video produced by Backpacker Magazine's AIM Studios:
   
   

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