Summer is one of the busiest seasons for volunteering across Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties. From festivals and food distributions to park cleanups and community beautification projects, volunteers make an incredible impact-but high temperatures can also pose serious health risks. Whether you're volunteering for an hour or an entire day, taking a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.
Download MDHHS' Heat, Health, and Safety fact sheet here!
Before You Volunteer:
- Check the weather forecast before heading out to your volunteer shift.
- Dress for the heat by wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Drink plenty of water before you arrive. Don't wait until you're thirsty.
- If you have a medical condition that may be affected by heat, talk with your healthcare provider and let the event organizer know if accommodations may be needed.
While You're Volunteering:
- Drink water regularly throughout your shift.
- Take breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space whenever possible.
- Avoid over-exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
- Check in on your fellow volunteers. Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, and recognizing the signs early can prevent a medical emergency.
Common symptoms of heat-related illness include:
- heavy sweating
- muscle cramps
- weakness or fatigue
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- confusion or difficulty concentrating
- fainting
Tips for Volunteer Organizers:
Organizations hosting outdoor volunteer events should make heat safety part of their event planning by:
- providing drinking water for volunteers.
- scheduling regular rest breaks.
- offering shaded or air-conditioned areas for cooling.
- monitoring weather conditions throughout the event.
- having a plan to shorten, relocate, postpone, or cancel activities if temperatures become unsafe.
Volunteer safety should always come first. There will always be another opportunity to complete a project, but protecting the health of volunteers is essential.
By staying hydrated, taking breaks, watching out for one another, and adjusting plans when necessary, we can continue making a positive impact on our communities while keeping volunteers safe.
Thank you for all you do to serve our communities. Your time, energy, and dedication make a difference every day. We want to help ensure you can volunteer safely all summer long!
