BURRILLVILLE – School is now out across the state and region for summer vacation. Kids begin showing up at area car shows and cruise nights in the area now, because they no longer need to do after school homework, or go to bed early, and they have a little more freedom to enjoy this popular automotive classic car and truck culture, as well as car show lifestyle and hobby. They also have to deal with warmer temperatures and being exposed to the sunlight for long periods of time while enjoying these community events.
It is very important to stay hydrated when dealing with the summer weather. I’m not talking about kids drinking all types of sodas, soft drinks, eating ice cream or consuming snacks. Kids need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent heat exhaustion when spending more time outdoors during the summer months. We are only a few days into the summer season and have a few more months of weather conditions that can ultimately take a toll on children playing and spending time outdoors.
Adults can also avoid dehydration and help prevent heat exhaustion by consuming plenty of water. The elderly and even pets you take for walks need plenty of water on hot summer days and early evenings. Keep water cold in ice filled travel coolers that you can place inside your vehicle, and pour water and ice into thermos bottles and cold drink containers if out traveling or walking around at a car show or any community events.
It’s the summer season and you really should try and take a kid to a car show over the next few months. Stay safe and stay hydrated all summer long.
Jim Weicherding is a Burrillville resident, and the founder and creator of an award-winning traffic safety effort Seasons of Safety. Weicherding contributes kids’ coloring cartoons, which can be printed and used to help parents discuss safety issues with their children. He has a long list of police officers and firefighters in his family and has worked with law enforcement and firefighters in a creative public safety capacity for more than two decades.
