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Summer’s not a week old and already we’re feeling the burn, and we don’t mean in a healthy-exercise sort of way, either. The temperatures have been pushing the thermometer mercury up and up. Who knows how high it’ll go later this season? Sorry, no prizes for guessing correctly.

Speaking of which, this is the perfect opportunity to remind everyone about avoiding a few hazards that accompany life this season.

First, sunblock. Before you go to work or play outdoors, slather on that high-level lotion or spray to keep from burning. Repeat at needed for as long as you’re outside. You might be thinking, “Oh, if I get a little sunburn, it won’t be too bad. It’ll fade into a tan.” Not only are sunburns painful, they can be dangerous. Further, you put yourself at risk for skin cancer later on. That will never fade into a becoming tan.

Second, drink water, water everywhere. Staying hydrated with H2O is far more effective at keeping you cool than any sugar-laden soda pop.

Third, when you see lightning strike and hear thunder roll, get to shelter pronto until the storm passes. Getting zapped by a bolt of high-voltage electricity won’t give you super powers to lord over other people. What is can certainly do is either kill or cause lasting damage to you.

Fourth, keep cool. When feasible, stay indoors by the fan or AC. If you know of a neighbor who’s elderly or infirm, check on them regularly to make sure they are not sweltering indoors.

Fifth, bug spray is your friend. Also, help ward off mosquitoes and minions by wearing light-colored clothing. Do not wear — or at least keep to the minimum — cologne or perfume.

Finally, if you venture into nature, check that another of Dracula’s minions, ticks (ugh), didn’t latch onto you or your pet. The Centers for Disease Control offers these four steps to remove the disease-carrying blood-suckers.

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Never crush a tick with your fingers.

Taking these precautions can go a long way to enable you to endure, survive and, yes, even enjoy the good ol’ summertime.