Beating the Heat & Bug Bites at Your Inn

It’s time to grab your sunscreen, hat and bug repellent. Taking precautions against sun exposure, heat and bug bites during the summer months is essential when there’s a chance of heat stroke and fatal allergic reactions. Ensure the safety and wellbeing of both you and your employees while working outdoors this season.

The Dangers of Summer Heat

The combination of heat and humidity in the summer months can be downright uncomfortable and even dangerous. To beat the heat:

• Cover up. Wear lightweight, tightly woven clothing that you can’t see through.
• Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93% of UV rays. Be sure to follow application directions.
• Wear a hat. It should protect your neck, ears, forehead, nose and scalp.
• Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Before you buy, read the product label.

Create a safe working environment to avoid serious injuries at your inn. Check out these life safety tips!

• Eat light. Replace heavy or hot meals with lighter, refreshing foods. And always eat smaller meals before work or intense activity.
• Drink plenty of water. In hot weather, drink enough water to quench your thirst. The average adult needs eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, even more during hot weather and when engaging in activity.

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion occurs when a person cannot sweat enough to cool the body — usually the result of not drinking enough fluids during hot weather. It generally develops when a person is playing, working or exercising outside in extreme heat. Symptoms include the following:

• Dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache and vomiting
• Blurry vision
• Body temperature rising to 101°F
• Sweaty skin
• Feeling hot and thirsty
• Difficulty speaking

A person suffering from heat exhaustion must move to a cool place and drink plenty of water to avoid a more severe heat-related condition — heat stroke. Heat stroke is the result of untreated heat exhaustion. Symptoms include:

• Lack of sweat
• Unawareness of thirst and heat
• Body temperature rising rapidly to above 101°F
• Confusion or delirium
• Possible loss of consciousness or seizure

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that must be treated quickly by a trained professional. Until help arrives, cool the person down by placing ice on the neck, armpits and groin. If the person is awake and able to swallow, have them drink 8 ounces of water every 15 minutes.

Insects & Ticks

While these creatures are tiny, their punch can be mighty to some. On the low end of the spectrum, these pests can irritate skin, but on the extreme end, they can cause anaphylactic reactions. While your guests may have the travel bug, use these tips to keep yourself and your employees from being on the snack menu for insects and other pests:

• Wear bug repellant.
• Avoid wearing heavy perfumes or scented lotions.
• Check before drinking from cups, bottles or cans. Stinging insects are attracted to sweet drinks.

Bee, wasp, hornet and yellow jacket stings are typically only dangerous to those who are allergic or have been stung multiple times. If you’re working in tall grass or wooded areas, take the following precautions to protect yourself from ticks:

• Wear light-colored clothing to see ticks more easily.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants.
• Tuck pant legs into socks or boots.
• Wear high boots or closed shoes that cover your feet completely.
• Wear a hat.
• Use tick repellants but not on your face.
• Wash and dry your work clothes at high temperatures.

Examine your body for ticks after work. Remove any attached ticks promptly with tweezers. In some regions, ticks may transmit Lyme disease. If you get bit and develop a rash, see your doctor.

Reaction Safety

While some bites and stings may not cause too much of a reaction, some can be extremely dangerous. If anyone in your group begins to show any of these signs, call 911 immediately:

• Hives or raised rash
• Swelling
• Vomiting or nausea
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid heart rate

As you wait for help to arrive, the most important thing to do is ask that person if they’re carrying an Epinephrine Auto Injector, commonly known as an EpiPen. If so, see if they need help injecting the medication. It’s wise to train your staff on how to use EpiPens so if they’re ever in this type of situation, they’re prepared.

Year-Round Protection for Inns

Heat-related injuries and bug-related illnesses are easily preventable. Just like bug spray keeps you safe from bugs and sunscreen can protect you from harsh rays, a strong policy protects your business from major risks. For additional safety guidance and insurance solutions for your business, connect with a member of our team.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

How These 5 Strategies Can Transform Your Inn Business Protect Your Roof: Insights for Historic & Older Properties