As a child, the fair was a magical place that meant spending hours at the horse barn and the Hall of Industry. Even the name, Hall of Industry, made me feel almost as if I must be stepping onto another continent or going somewhere special. Yes, the fair was truly a magical place and, as a child, I never noticed the heat. As an adult, the heat is a different story.
Unfortunately, this year the weather forecast for the Garland County Fair is hot -- really hot. For many that might be a deal-breaker. Before you decide not to go, try these tips for staying cool:
• Wear light-colored clothing.
• Stay hydrated, but avoid drinking alcohol or very sugary drinks.
• Take breaks in the shade or inside an air-conditioned building.
• Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.
• Drape a damp towel or bandanna over the back of your neck.
By taking a few precautions, the fair can still be a great family activity. Remember, if the sun is shining on you, it is easy to become overheated even on a moving ride. Also, consider leaving your pets at home, service dogs are allowed in public buildings, but not every place will be accessible to your pet, even if it serves as an emotional support animal. Fifi or Fido can quickly become heat stressed and even end up with burned paws from hot sidewalks. Small children riding in a stroller (even with a shade) or being carried can build up heat and become overheated, too.
Knowing the signs of heat illnesses and monitoring those with you at the fair especially those most vulnerable, like young children and older adults, can make it a great time riding the rides and seeing all of the exhibits.
According to the CDC, if you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:
• Get the victim to a shady area.
• Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can.
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees.
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
• Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
In case you are about to decide to just stay home remember what Benjamin Franklin once said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." If you are still reading this article, you know how to stay cool and enjoy the fair in spite of the heat, so come on out and make some magical memories for your family this week. You can always stop in at the EHC Kitchen for some delicious, homestyle cooking and a chance to relax in one of the only air-conditioned buildings at the fair.
For more information on events at the fair visit, http://www.garlandcountyfair.com. If you would like to know more about how to stay safe in the heat, call the Extension office at 623-6841 or come by 236 Woodbine St.
4-H information
There are several 4-H clubs for our Garland county youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities that are available, call Linda Bates at the Extension office, 623-6841, or email [email protected].
Master Gardener information
Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. They're open to the public and guests are welcome. For more information call the Extension office or email Alex Dykes at [email protected].
EHC information
Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. Call Alison Crane at the Extension office or email [email protected].
Society on 09/09/2019