It’s official. Summer, along with the heat the season packs in tow, has arrived in the valley. It’s time for outdoor activities and a stretch of months to spend soaking up sun. While most of us simply lather on the sunscreen and call it good, often a sunburn isn’t the only thing we need to be cautious of when spending time outdoors. Whether we’re exercising or just spending some time in the garden, it’s critical that we remain hydrated and keep an eye out for signs that our bodies might be over-heating.

For this issue’s theme of heat-related emergencies, writer Aaron Collins spoke with Dr. Benny Benzeevi of Tulare District Hospital about the different types of heat-related emergencies, as well as symptoms and ways to prevent one’s body from falling victim to such emergencies.

In Three Alarm, we spoke with Chief Danny Wristen from Visalia Fire Department and Captain Cameron Long of Tulare City Fire about what it’s like underneath all of the gear firefighters are required to wear while fighting fires. In light of the upcoming wild fire season, a glimpse into what these professionals go through for our protection seemed fitting and important. It is truly incredible the amount of gear they must wear, especially amidst the heat of the burning flame.

In our Code Seven feature, chef Paul shares the secrets of the grill, as well as a delicious recipe for baked beans that are unlike anything you’ve had before. Lucky for us, the staff here at VRM typically reaps the benefit of the “taste-test” on many of Paul’s recipes, as the majority of his recipes are created from scratch. (We wouldn’t want our readers to be given a recipe that we couldn’t all vouch for, right?) On that note, I will tell you that his grill creations are all a must try.

So, whether you’re harnessing the heat of the grill or laying low in the cool of an air conditioner’s breeze, raise a hydrating toast to the first responders who battle blazes when the whole valley is shimmering with heat, and who help our most vulnerable back to health when the temperatures have gotten the best of them.

And here’s to a safe summer!