Summertime in Colorado is officially here with temperatures slowly starting to increase each week.
Our state offers perfect getaways to breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and memorable experiences. It’s a great time of year to explore the endless opportunities Colorado offers, like hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
While it’s an exciting time of year, it’s crucial for Coloradans to prepare and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer. Here are some essential summer safety tips to enjoy the season for both Coloradans and those who are visiting our state.
Drink plenty of water
Because of Colorado’s high altitude, it’s easy for residents to get dehydrated easier than in other states. It’s always a great idea to carry plenty of water when participating in outdoor activities, especially with temperatures increasing.
It is recommended to drink at least half a gallon of water per day and to avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks of caffeine, because they can contribute to dehydration.
Use sunscreen
Colorado’s high altitude doesn’t just leave residents susceptible to dehydration. It also increases the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
It’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every two hours while wearing a hat, sunglasses, and even lightweight, long-sleeved clothing if you know that you are going to be outside for an extended period.
Be respectful and responsible with wildlife
Colorado’s stunning outdoors draw enthusiasts to the mountains each summer, but it’s important to remember that we share this state with a diverse range of wildlife.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, driving, or even enjoy- ing your backyard, it’s important to avoid unwanted encounters and ensure everyone’s safety. When encountering wildlife, it’s important to keep a safe distance from animals. Do not feed any wildlife and make sure to store food securely. If camping, use bear-proof containers and dispose of waste properly.
Be mindful when building fires
Sadly, Colorado has been no stranger to wildfires in recent years, which are often a result of dry conditions.
When starting campfires, or any fire, make sure to check local fire restrictions or bans. These are often in place during dry periods. If allowed, build campfires only in established fire rings or pits as well.
It’s also important to keep fires manageable and to only build small fires that you can easily control. Never leave a fire unattended, and when putting out a fire, make sure to extinguish it completely by dousing it with water. Stir the ashes, and make sure everything is cold to the touch before leaving the area where your fire was burning.
Be aware of altitude sickness
Altitude sickness can impact anyone, especially visitors and newcomers to Colorado.
While our mountains offer breathtaking views and outdoor adventures, high elevations can bring altitude sickness. This occurs when your body doesn’t have enough time to adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping.
To prevent altitude sickness, stay hydrated, eat light, carbohydrate-rich meals, rest, and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours at high altitude.
If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude, rest, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or don’t improve.
Protect yourself from mosquitoes
Be mindful of West Nile Virus: Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile Virus, an illness that can occasionally cause serious neurological complications. While most people infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms or mild illness, it can also result in a serious health outcome for others, sometimes fatal. it’s important to be mindful of the risk mosquitoes can impose.
To prevent mosquito bites, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, drain standing water, screen windows and doors, and limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk. If you experience symptoms of West Nile Virus, like a severe headache or a high fever, seek medical attention promptly.
