Safety in recreation!

If you decide to go outdoors for a rest on hot summer days, it would be advisable to ensure your leisure time is safe. The Ministry of Emergency Situations has prepared several life hacks for you.

Sun

Sun rays bring us joy, a tan, and vitamin D, but remember that overexposure to the sun and neglecting protection can lead to trouble. Wear a cap, hat, or panama hat. Do the same for children, if you have them.

Do not lie in the sun for too long. Don't. You can overheat and then feel sluggish all day. Or you could end up in intensive care due to sunstroke or heatstroke.

Do not drink. That is, alcohol. Drink plenty of everything else – the body loses fluid in the heat, which means it needs to be replenished. Water, kvass, green tea, and still low-mineral water are best suited. However, a mixture of dyes, flavourings, and acids from sweet fizzy drinks is only suitable for those with strong stomachs. After consuming such drinks, thirst will overcome you even more.

Water

If you decide to swim, check the shore and the water for glass or other dangerous debris. Dense algae thickets will also not enhance your relaxation. If you are with children, watch them. Explain that they should not fool around in the water. And do not fool around yourself – children imitate adults, so personal example is very important. Enter the water slowly. Do not leave children unattended even for a minute. After all, if a child goes underwater, the scenario of "divers searching for the body" could become a reality.

Do not jump from cliffs or bridges. Do not swim while drunk! Most drowning victims were intoxicated before their last swim.

Fire

Build fires correctly. If you are outdoors, use specially equipped places for this purpose. If there are none, arrange one yourself: clear a meter-wide area around it, so that there is only earth, and surround the fire with stones or bricks. Do not place tents, belongings, or cars near the fire. To avoid having to stomp out suddenly ignited grass with the soles of your own boots, have a bucket of water or another extinguishing agent ready.

Remember that during a ban, even just being in the forest is not only dangerous for pines and spruces but also financially significant for your wallet.

If you are on your property, install the barbecue grill at least 4 meters away from the house and other structures. A bonfire should be no closer than 10 meters. There is nothing strange about this – all fire safety rules are written in blood, tears over lost property, and burns of varying degrees.

Forest

To avoid a situation like in the children's rhyme "firefighters are searching, police are searching," before going into the forest, study a map of the area. Inform your loved ones when you plan to return and be sure to bring a charged mobile phone with you. Dress in a way that covers exposed body parts. It is advisable to wear something bright, rather than camouflage, recalling the partisan past of your grandfathers.

It is best to also take a compass with you. It will help you understand which way to go if you get lost. While in the forest, try to remember the places you pass through, any distinctive features. Do not eat unfamiliar berries or mushrooms.

If you are in a group, try not to wander off and maintain constant contact. It is best not to take small children with you at all. And if you do take them – keep them within arm's reach.

In conclusion, remember that the most important thing in an emergency situation is to remain calm. Panic will only worsen the situation. Know the rules and share them with your loved ones. Have a good rest.