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Night sky lit up with fireworks and an American flag flying in the foreground.

Safety and Training

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer DAY 25: First Aid 101: Treating Burns

Injuries from burns increase during the summer due to outdoor cooking, campfires, candles, oil-burning lanterns and torches, and fireworks. On average, over 10,000 Americans seek medical attention for burns from fireworks a year. Additionally, in 2011, fireworks caused a reported 17,800 fires. There are four degrees of burns. This classification system is based on how bad the burn is depending on the location on the body, how big the burn and the depth. Learn how to treat them in this basic first aid guide to burns.

Picture shows a topless man laying face down, dripping with sweat in a hot, dry desert.

Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 22: Heat Related Illnesses: Prevention and Treatment

Heat over exposure causes hyperthermia and in turn, heat-related illnesses. Hyperthermia is when our bodies cannot regulate our body temperature in extreme heat. This includes heat cramps, heat rash, heat fatigue, heat syncope, sunburn, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. Our bodies cool themselves when it is hot through sweating, but sometimes sweating is not enough. Sometimes, especially when it is very humid, our sweat does not evaporate fast enough and does not allow heat to escape. This is when we can suffer from a heat-related illness.

Picture shows a woman with her fist raised and a very angry look on her face.

Safety and Training

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 21: Keep Your Cool—When it Heats Up So Does Your Temper

The terms hotheaded and blood boiling may be more literal than you think. Numerous studies have shown that higher temperatures negatively affect our mood. Heat can make us irritable, impatient, physically uncomfortable, aggressive and even violent. In fact, violent assault numbers—intent to do physical harm against another person—rise during the hotter months. The hotter it gets, the more aggressive we feel. As responsible gun owners and carriers, it is imperative we remain cool, calm and collected.

Picture shows a white, orange and maroon vintage Hawaiian print button down shirt

Concealed Carry

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 19: Five Tips for Carrying a Gun in the Summer

It can be much easier to conceal in the winter when we were more layers and cover garments such as a sweaters, hoodies or jackets do not look suspicious. Even though we wear less in the summer, fortunately summer styles and fabrics are looser. Covering a pistol or a revolver doesn’t have to be complicated with these more casual styles. An untucked Hawaiian or Polo-style shirt and shorts for men and a long cotton maxi dress for women are commonplace during the hotter months. The following are five tips for carrying a gun during the dog days of summer:

Picture shows a cameo painting of Irish gun maker, John Rigby.

Firearms

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 17: Ireland’s Most Famous Gun Maker John Rigby

Rigby was known for their dueling pistols and are now synonymous with fine hunting rifles designed for big and African game. They are the third oldest gunmaker in the world. John Rigby was born in 1758 and established his fine firearms company John Rigby and Co in 1775 in Dublin, Ireland. Rigby served as a Grenadier Captain in the Independent Dublin Volunteers—the Irish militia raised to defend Ireland after British soldiers left the country to fight the Revolutionary War. John Rigby was also an active Freemason and excellent marksman.

Picture shows two men holding fishing poles against an orange sunset.

Fishing

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 16: Fishing Basics

There is something calming and pleasantly rewarding about fishing, even on days I don’t catch anything. Fishing is a fun affair, regardless of your age. Beginning fishing does not require a lot of skill, nor do you have to invest in a bunch of expensive equipment to get started. However, you will need a rod, reel, line, tackle and bait. Before doing anything, though, first purchase a state fishing license and check your state’s regulations and laws regarding fishing on public lands. This quick start guide gives you the basics.