Stay Cool at the Fair
Plan ahead to beat the heat.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Long walks, crowded midway lines and hours spent outdoors can turn a summer fair into a risky place during high heat. University of Missouri Extension health and
safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch says a little planning can help fairgoers stay safe and
enjoy the day.
“It’s not cool to be hot,” Funkenbusch says. “Water, rest and shade are key.”
At county and state fairs, those basics can be harder to find. You might be far from your car or the nearest air-conditioned building, and walking between exhibits can quickly wear you
down. Funkenbusch recommends carrying your own supplies, including water jugs filled with cool drinking water, portable fans and moistened wipes. Drink often — about a cup every 15-20 minutes — and don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
Dress for the conditions, she says. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat help your body stay cooler, especially when standing in full sun. Choose seating with good airflow if you plan to spend time watching events.
Frequent breaks are important. Even if you feel fine, step into the shade or an air-conditioned building when possible. Walking across large fairgrounds in hot, crowded conditions adds stress on your body. OSHA notes that working or standing in full sunlight
can raise the heat index by as much as 15 degrees, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
Know the warning signs and act quickly. Heat rash, cramps, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion and excessive sweating are all signals to get out of the heat and cool down. Severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness or slurred speech require immediate medical attention. Funkenbusch also suggests checking medications ahead of time, since some drugs
can affect how well your body handles heat.
Fairs are social places, but crowds can make conditions more dangerous. Check in others nearby, especially older adults, young children and workers. “Dehydration caused by heat can cause elderly people to fall on unstable fairground surfaces,” Funkenbusch says. Smartphone apps such as the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool (available for iOS and Android) can help you track the heat index and remind you when to drink water, take breaks and watch for symptoms.
If you pack a picnic
If you bring food, keep safety in mind. Perishable items should stay below 40 F in insulated coolers with ice packs. Store the cooler in the air-conditioned part of your car until you arrive, then keep it in the shade and open it as little as possible. Never leave food out for more than two hours, or one hour if temperatures climb above 90 F. Separate coolers for
drinks and food can help keep items colder longer.
With a little preparation, you can stay cool, safe and focused on the fun, Funkenbusch says.
At-the-fair heat safety checklist
• Drink water often — don’t wait until you’re thirsty
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning
• Wear light, loose clothing and a hat
• Watch for signs of heat illness and act quickly
• Check on others, especially kids and older adults
• If bringing food, don’t put your cooler in a hot trunk or leave it out in the sun.