Summer means fun in the sun! But be safe — don't let a heat-related illness ruin your day. Always drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks when working or playing in the hot weather.

• For infants under the age of 6 months: Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck.
• For Young Children: Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.
• For Older Children: The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible.
• Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place. Remember, have fun, but stay cool!

Many families will head to our national parks and forests this summer to enjoy the great outdoors. But if you're not prepared to rough it in the woods, hiking or camping can be a rough experience. The best way to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully and follow commonsense safety precautions.

• Review the equipment, supplies and skills that you'll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. What if you got lost, or were unexpectedly confronted by an animal? What if someone became ill or injured? What kind of weather might you encounter?
• Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated and when you plan to return.
• Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.

As winter weather sets in, Oregon Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson reminds Oregonians to have chimneys, fireplaces and woodstoves inspected and cleaned. Creosote accumulation is a leading cause of chimney fires.

"A chimney fire can spell disaster," says Simpson. "Prevention is your best defense. Having your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected by a professional can be a life saving decision."

During the 34-day period from December 1 through January 3, Oregon averages 66 residential fires - nearly two each day - originating in a chimney or fireplace due to failure to clean.

To reduce risks from chimney and fireplace fires, follow these safety tips:

• Have chimney and woodstove flues inspected and cleaned each year by a qualified chimney sweep.
  Ask them to check for creosote deposits, soot build-up or physical damage.
• Burning wrapping paper or greenery from a Christmas tree in a fire place or woodstove is dangerous. These combustibles quickly produce large amounts of heat and may accelerate ignition of creosote buildup.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening. Sparks or embers may jump out and ignite nearby material.
• Keep a clutter free environment. Store kindling, fire logs and wood at least three feet from any heat source.
• Before going to sleep or leaving home, be sure your fireplace fire is out. Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace, the fire may reignite and a closed damper can force toxic carbon monoxide into your home.
• Dispose of ashes in a metal container and place the container outdoors at least three feet from anything flammable. Ashes may retain heat for days after they appear out.

More home fire safety information is available at:
http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Community_Education.shtml

Adobe Acrobat Reader required Let's Talk Turkey! 2007 (pdf) When Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching, many families are considering how they want to prepare their turkey. To keep their holiday as safe as possible, Oregon State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr is encouraging Oregonians to skip the popular deep fat turkey fryers in favor of more traditional cooking methods. Read more... After the Fire is Out (pdf) Every thing you need to know, from repairing fire damage, protecting yourself and property, insurance, documents & records to cleaning tips. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (pdf) If you can't see it, smell it or taste it, how do you know if carbon monoxide is trapped in your home? Read more... Child Passenger Safety (pdf) A disturbing fact comes from a recent study by the SAFE KIDS organization: one third of children are riding in the wrong restraints for their age and size. Here are some questions to ask yourself about the safety of your child when it comes to riding in a vehicle... Cold Weather Fire Safety Tips for the Home (pdf) General tips for cold-weather safety in the home. Fire Extinguisher Facts (pdf) Fire Extinguishers Have Limits...USED PROPERLY, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. Read more... Fire Safety Tips (pdf) Families should plan and practice together what to do in case there is a fire in the home. All family members should know the following components of a good emergency escape plan...