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We’re not quite in summer yet but the heat has arrived early and it’s stirring up wildlife, as well as bringing weather-related threats that have prompted officials to issue numerous warnings and reminders to keep people safe.
Here’s what you need to know and watch out for…
The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning beachgoers in South Carolina to be on the lookout for highly venomous man-of-war jellyfish. The NWS reported that one man-of-war jellyfish that washed up on North Myrtle Beach had tentacles measuring sixteen feet long.
A distinguishing feature of man-of-war jellyfish is a bright blue “float” that helps make them easier to spot.
Man-of-war jellyfish are known for their extremely painful stings, described as a shock-like sensation that can bring severe, shooting pain, as well as intense muscle and joint pain. Other symptoms can include headaches, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, faintness, and shock.
Concerned about how to reduce wrinkles? It begins with protecting your skin from excessive exposure to the sun. Make sure you are using sunscreen that will provide protection for the duration you will be in the sun. Read the label to see how long the sunscreen is active and reapply frequently.
It’s also important to make sure your skin is well moisturized. Sunscreen that includes a moisturizer is not enough. Make sure that well before you plan to go outside and apply sunscreen, that you have moisturized your skin.
If you are going to be in the sun for a considerably long duration, you may consider using clothing that covers your skin, as well as headwear that will provide adequate shade for your face.
The warm weather came early this year, as temperatures in April started bringing out rattlesnakes, especially in the West in places like California and Arizona. Even Northern California, which is typically cooler, saw rattlesnakes emerging.
Another crucial thing to keep in mind is that, during this time of physical distancing due to coronavirus, you may step off of a trail to allow others to pass and this is where the potential danger comes. It’s important to keep aware of your surroundings, look where you are stepping and don’t veer too far off the trail. Get back on the trail as soon as possible.
One important point that officials stress is that people should not rely on the rattling sound from which the snake gets its name as a warning signal. Young snakes are not only harder to spot, but their rattle hasn’t developed enough to make much noise and give you a warning.
Also, don’t think the fact that a snake is young make you think it is any less venomous. In fact, younger snakes can have a tendency to expel all of their venom into their victim.
Rattlesnakes aren’t necessarily or normally aggressive, they want to avoid you. But if you accidentally step on the snake or get too close, there’s a strong likelihood you could be bitten.
In places like Arizona, anti-venom is widely available, and as a result – only about one percent of rattlesnake bites there are fatal. But the crucial element is getting medical attention as quickly as possible. The most at risk for serious complications or death from snake bites are the elderly and children.
With a heatwave in the Western US, as well as generally warm-to-hot temperatures across the nation today and throughout the weekend, officials are reminding everyone not to leave pets in vehicles – even for a few minutes. Leaving a pet in a vehicle in many areas is against the law and punishable by fines.
But worse, you could be putting your pet at risk of death – even with the windows cracked, as temperatures inside the vehicle can exceed those outside.
Tips if you must take your dog with you in the car:
