Missouri Solar Eclipse 2017

While there are safety issues to consider that are specific to the Eclipse, such as viewing safety and preparing for the increased traffic in our state, there are other issues to remember as well.  The Eclipse is occurring in the middle of Missouri’s summer, and it’s a good idea to be prepared for issues that occur on any summer day.

Preventing Heat-related Illness

To minimize traffic related problems during the eclipse, we have recommended ariving early, staying put, and leaving late afterwards. As a result, people could find themselves outdoors for long periods of time, opening up the possibilty of heat-related illnesses.

Heat and humidity in Missouri can be dangerous. Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat.

What to Do:

  • Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
  • Taking prescription medicines can affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.
  • Be aware of the warning signs of Heat Exhaustion:
    • Heavy sweating
    • Paleness
    • Muscle cramps
    • Tiredness and weakness
    • Dizziness or fainting
    • Headache
    • Nausea or vomiting
  • What to do if you or another is suffering from Heat Exhaustion:
    • Rest in a cool, preferably air-conditioned, area.
    • Loosen clothing.
    • Cool down with a shower, bath or sponge bath
    • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic and caffeine-free beverages.
    • Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Stay informed:

 

Sun Safety

Sunburns are more than painful; they can lead to skin cancer.

What to Do:

  • Cover up! Cover as much skin as possible with tightly-woven clothing and a hat with a 2–3 inch brim or a shade cap.
  • Use a sunscreen that protects against both UV-A and UV-B sunlight spectrums with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget sunscreen lip balm.
  • Reapply sunscreen regularly. No sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication. Apply more frequently if you are in the water.
  • Wear sunglasses that block UV rays and protect your eyes.

 

Ticks and Mosquitoes

As you head outdoors to view the eclipse, if you plan to be in areas prone to insects, you will want to beware of ticks and mosquitos. Most bites from these insects are harmless, but some run the risk of transmitting serious, potentially deadly, diseases. Prevention is the best medicine you can take against being bitten by ticks and mosquitoes.

What to Do:

Reduce your chances of getting an insect-borne disease.

  • Apply lotion, liquid, or spray repellent to exposed skin.
  • Use common sense. Reapply repellents as protection wanes and mosquitoes start to bite.
  • Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and socks.
  • Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase pretreated clothing.
  • Check yourself daily (your entire body) and remove attached ticks promptly using a tweezers or commercial tick removal tool.
  • Shower after being outdoors.
  • If you have a fever or rash shortly after a tick bite, seek medical attention right away.

Stay informed:

Visit the following links for more information on ticks and mosquitoes.