Even as the summer winds down it is important that our town residents do all that they can to ensure their own health and safety. While summer can be a fun and exciting time, too often it becomes a time of burns and heat exhaustion and we want to avoid that by following some summer safety tips:

* Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is the hottest

* Wear good sunglasses to protect your eyes

* Wear a hat

* Remember that a cloudy day can be deceiving and is a time when many people receive nasty burns

* Some medicines and cosmetics may increase your chance of a severe sunburn. Check all labels before going out into the sun

* Wear sun block

* Sidewalks and blacktop can reach 120 degrees on a sunny day so wear shoes, sandals or flip flops to avoid burns on your feet.

The sun and heat are not the only summer threats. There are also common dangers found at the beach that should be addressed.

Unfortunately, it has taken the media attention of the recent deaths of people caught in riptides to make beach dwellers more aware of this danger. One of the most important things for people to remember is not to swim when a lifeguard is not on duty. Even when a lifeguard is on duty, be sure that you never swim alone. It is also important for anyone who goes in the water to know how to get out if they are caught in a riptide. If you are caught in a riptide, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the riptide and then swim to the shore. Do not try to swim to shore until you are completely out of the riptide or you may be pulled back in.

A less serious hazard, but one that is common in August, is jellyfish stings. If a jellyfish stings you, there are several steps you can take to ease the pain. The first step is to wash the area with sea water. Then apply vinegar, rubbing alcohol or baking soda. Remove the tentacles with tweezers and apply shaving cream and shave area with a butter knife. Reapply vinegar and then put cortisone cream on the sting. If complications occur from the sting, contact a physician immediately.

During the summer, those enjoying the outdoors are often victims of bee, hornet and wasp stings. The best way to avoid stings is to calmly walk away from bees, yellow jackets, hornets, etc. Also avoid wearing perfume when outside, since both stinging and biting insects are attracted to the sweet smell.

Summer is a great time of the year and all Town of Hempstead residents, who have the advantage of living near so many beaches and parks, should all be able to enjoy it to its fullest. Following these simple tips should help you and your families have a safer and more enjoyable summer.