As we move toward Labor Day and the last blast of summer fun, we offer this gentle reminder: Alcohol and hot weather do not mix well. This deadly combination leads to more summertime accidents and preventable deaths than any other cause.

Beer, wine and spirits add to folks’ enjoyment of picnics, cookouts and ballgames. The key is to enjoy these beverages responsibly. This is especially true in warm weather. Alcohol dehydrates the body and affects one’s core body temperature, throwing off the body’s ability to cool itself through perspiration. Heat and humidity put drinkers at greater risk for sudden-onset conditions such as heat stroke. Serious episodes can cause longer-term problems with the heart and other organs. Alcohol also physically impairs the motor skills as well as a person’s judgment, hence the warning, “Don’t Drink and Drive.”

The insidious fact is that booze can bring about dehydration quicker than you’d expect. You’re out having fun in the sun just fine one minute, and then — boom! —you’re dizzy and limp.

Fortunately, a few key behaviors can keep you safe while enjoying your favorite hot weather activities and drinks.

• Moderation — space out alcohol consumption over several hours, or limit yourself to one or two drinks.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Don’t dehydrate with more alcohol – it doesn’t work as effectively as water.
• Seek shade as much as possible. It helps to cool you off, and you’ll feel the difference.
• If you are engaged in physical activities like softball, volleyball or golf, hydrate regularly with water or a sports drink that replenishes electrolytes.
• Do not overexert yourself physically.
• Eat food. Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
• If possible, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages in the early afternoon when the temperatures are at their peak; it’s better to drink in early evening.
• Don’t drink and drive — or pilot a boat or swim if you’ve been drinking.
• Let a non-drinker light the fireworks.
• Ask someone to drive you home if you’ve had one too many drinks.

Ask ten people for a hangover remedy and you’ll get ten answers in return. Since dehydration is part of the problem, restore fluids and minerals with water and juice. Take aspirin or another pain reliever for that headache. And get plenty of rest.

At BlackHawk, we want you to party safely so you can stick around a long while. We are equally committed to your safety on the job. We stock a complete line of PPE, signage, facility safety and emergency equipment. And yes, pain relievers!