BOOM, BANG, BOOM, BANG ... The real sights and sounds of the Fourth of July are days away.

Every year the kids both young and old will experience some kind of burns caused from misuse of a firecracker. Have a first aid kit handy in case someone receives a serious burn and needs emergency assistance. Watch out for the small children when shooting fireworks. With many organizations having a fireworks display, taking small children to the event would be the safest option.

With the temperatures in the upper 90's extra precautions are needed to protect ourselves from heat-related problems. Keep in mind that a heatstroke is a serious, life-threatening condition characterized by a high body temperature (greater than 103 degrees); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache with dizziness; and nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness. One can treat heat-related illnesses with aggressive fluid replacement, along with cooling of core body temperature. During periods of extreme heat conditions, heat-related illnesses can be prevented by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, drinking adequate amounts of fluid, avoiding alcohol consumption, wearing lightweight clothing, and using air-conditioning.

If you see a person experiencing any heat-related problems seek medical attention immediately. During heat waves, young children, older adults, and chronically ill persons should be checked frequently by relatives, neighbors, and caretakers to evaluate their heat exposure, recognize symptoms of heat-related illness, and take appropriate preventive action.

Regardless of the outdoor temperature, parents and other child-care providers should never leave children alone in cars and should ensure that children cannot lock themselves inside enclosed spaces, such as the trunks of automobiles. Please do not become a statistic and take all precautions for the heat.

Since the closing of the gates, below the dam, anglers are starting to see more activity from the stripers, sandbass, and catfish. The sandbass are in the early stages of hitting a topwater bait. Anglers are using curlytail grubs, silver spoons or roostertail lures for the sandbass. The catfish are being caught on fresh cut shad. If fishing from the bank is in your plans, then worms or chicken livers are the trick.

The stripers are in the early stages of activity. Stay tuned to this paper for additional updates.

Mr. Crappie Bait and Tackle will be giving away a 5-year Oklahoma Department of wildlife hunting or fishing license in July. Make a purchase in the store and enter today. More information on rules and eligibility can be obtained in the store. Register today.

Take caution to the heat. Take the kidos on a fishing trip. Remember fishing is better early morning or late in the evening. These periods of the day are the coolest or cooling down from the day's heat. Fish tend to be more active and are feeding at these times.