As warmer weather approaches, we all want to enjoy the outdoors and have fun with family and friends. However, it's important to keep safety in mind to avoid accidents and injuries. Here are some tips to help you stay safe in the summer months:
Water safety is a must!
Water-related activities are popular in the Summer for a variety of reasons. Pools, Splash pads, lakes and rivers are all great ways to relax, cool off and have fun.
According to the National Safety Council, drowning is the 5th leading cause of unintentional death in the USA. CDC data shows on average, there are 22 nonfatal drownings everyday and 11 drowning deaths per day. More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause and children ages 5-14, drowning is the second leading cause of death after motor vehicle crashes.
If you or your children are going to be in or around water, LEARN TO SWIM. A study conducted by America's National Institute of Health reveals that participating in formal swimming lessons is associated with an 88% rate to reduce the risk of drowning in children aged 1 to 4 years. Flotation aids and personal floatation devices (PFD) are always a good idea for weak swimmers, but make sure they are worn properly and well fitted.
If there are going to be many people or any children swimming, someone should be watching AT ALL TIMES. That means, NO reading a book, NO being on the phone, NO #selfies. NO leaving or distractions unless everyone is out of the pool or someone else steps in to watch. It only takes SECONDS for an emergency to happen, and most drownings go unnoticed by untrained persons.
If you have a pool of spend time near bodies of water regularly, LEARN CPR!
Among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation. Alcohol influences balance, coordination, and judgment, and its effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat. Please drink responsibly.
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat causes more than 600 deaths per year and is PREVENTABLE. Persons at most risk for heat related injuries are people over the age of 65 and under the age of 4, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.
Check your air conditioning unit and have it serviced if needed. Clean any filters as well to ensure adequate air flow. Fans are not reliable ways to keep cool especially in times of high humidity.
Inspect your doors and windows to make sure the weather stripping is intact
Cover windows that receive lots of sun with curtains or blinds to keep the heat at bay
Learn to avoid, spot and treat heat illness.
Stay hydrated! Drink more WATER than you usually do. Waiting until you are thirsty means you are already dehydrated. If you are going to be active outdoors, add electrolyte enhanced drinks to stay hydrated.
If you're spending time outside, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat to help keep you cool. Take breaks in the shade or indoors to avoid overheating.
Check on your neighbors, relatives, and friends, especially if they are elderly or live alone
NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed, non-air-conditioned vehicles. ALWAYS check and double check to make sure there is not a sleeping child in the back seat of the car before you get out.
Severe Weather
Keep an eye on the sky! If conditions look threatening, head indoors
Be aware of the weather forecasts to plan your day accordingly
In the event of a severe thunderstorm, seek shelter indoors. Head for an interior room on a lower floor and stay away from windows.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning (it can strike as far away as ten miles!)
If a storm produces a lot of lightning, try to avoid using electrical appliances, wired telephones, and running water.
If strong winds are forecast, be sure to bring in any unsecured lawn furniture or other items to avoid debris.
Flooding
Try to avoid traveling through any flood waters. It only takes a few inches of moving water to knock you off you feet. The same goes for driving - driving through collections of water should always be avoided.
If flooding is anticipated, make sure your sump pump is in working order. it may become overwhelmed or fail if there are power outages so also pick any electronics off the floor to avoid any electrical shorts.
Be prepared to evacuate if necessary; identify a safe place for you and your family to go or meet up in case your home is not safe.
In General
We all love to sit around a nice fire on a warm summer night and enjoy a S'more (or two). Be mindful around fires - make sure there are no bans in effect and have an extinguisher at the ready.
Sunburns can be painful and increase your risk of skin cancer. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen and reapply frequently.
Use bug repellent to avoid bug bites and mosquito-borne diseases
Fireworks are very popular this time of year, but please be responsible when using or watching.
Practice food safety: Summer is a popular time for outdoor picnics and barbecues, but foodborne illnesses can quickly put a damper on your fun. Keep perishable foods chilled, and cook meat to the right temperature to avoid food poisoning. Always have a fire extinguisher close by when grilling outside.