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Welcome to the dog days of summer! We’ve all heard of the dog days of summer, but few people seem to know what the expression actually means. Where did the term dog days come from, and does it have anything to do with dogs?

The dog days of summer occur from July 3rd – August 11th, and boy are those days hot! While people most commonly think we call this time the dog days because heat makes the weather “not fit for a dog”, it is actually a reference to the fact that the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, or the Greater Dog.

In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun. However, on July 23rd, it is in conjunction with the Sun, and because the star is so very bright, the ancient Romans believed it gave off heat and added to the Sun’s warmth, accounting for the scorching weather. They referred to this time as diēs caniculārēs, or “dog days.” With that, the term dog days of summer became the 20 days before and after the alignment of Sirius with the Sun.

Now, I think we can all agree this time of year is hot, but that heat is not due to Sirius as the Romans believed, no matter how bright of a star it is. The heat is a result of the earth’s tilt. In the summer months, the tilt of the Earth causes the Sun’s rays to hit at a more direct angle and for more hours during the day. This result is longer and hotter days.

Here are some tips to stay cool during the dog days:

1. Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can. Air-conditioning is the number one way to protect yourself against heat-related illness and death. If your home is not air-conditioned, reduce your risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned and using air conditioning in vehicles. Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
2. Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling device during an extreme heat event.
3. Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
4. Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
5. Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter. Limit your outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
6. Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
7. Pace your activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
8. Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
9. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Information courtesy of the Farmers’ Almanac

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Fire Chief David Cambareri Earns
Fully Involved Fire Chief of the Year Award

Fire Chief David Cambareri was recognized by the Lee County Fire Chiefs Association (LCFCA) as the 2020 Fully Involved Fire Chief of the Year. The annual award honors a member of the organization who served above and beyond, selflessly promoting the good of the LCFCA. The recipient is nominated by their peers and is reviewed by a committee of the Lee County Fire Chiefs Association.

Fire Chief Cambareri was nominated several members of the organization from across Lee County for being driven to provide the best in service, overachieving at every level through a strong work ethic, having persistence in getting things done, and possessing an attention to detail that is second to none.

He was described by his peers as always willing to assist with any item or issue and providing personal mentorship and assistance to Lee County’s leaders. Moreover, he was recognized for his positive thinking, leading the San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District in a progressive and professional manner, and positively reflecting upon the county as a whole.

Please join us in congratulating the Lee County Fire Chiefs Association 2020 Lee County Fully Involved Fire Chief of the Year, Fire Chief David Cambareri.