Summer is finally here! The warmer weather gives us more excuses to get outside and enjoy family fun, but we have to take precautions to stay safe in the heat, on the water and during our favorite outdoor activities.
Stay safe and get the most out of this summer with these five essential summer safety tips.
You may be unaware of it, but our bodies are always working to disperse the heat they produce. It’s important to stay cool in the heat, especially if you’re exposed to the warmer temperatures for long periods of time.
In 2014, 244 people died in the U.S. from exposure to excessive heat, according to Injury Facts 2017, the annual statistical report on unintentional injuries produced by the National Safety Council.
Heat-related illnesses include:
- Heat Exhaustion
- Heat Cramps
The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit the time you spend outside on hot days. These can help keep you cool, too:
- Drink more liquid than you think you need and avoid alcohol
- Find some air conditioning or a fan
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
- Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wear sunscreen
Be Careful With Fireworks
In 2016, at least four people died and about 11,100 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade fireworks, thousands of the injuries were from less powerful devices like sparklers.
Did you know? More fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year? On your average Independence Day, fireworks account for two for every five reported fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
If fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, follow these safety tips:
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Only light one firework at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Don’t allow young children to handle fireworks
- Wear protective eyewear
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Avoid handling malfunctioning fireworks
- Use water to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off
Or, sit back and relax while the experts put on the show.
Use Bug Spray
Unfortunately, mosquitoes can take the bite out of warm-weather fun. Especially now with the danger of Zika virus, West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
Be sure to carry and apply bug spray while you’re hiking through the woods or sitting out by the fire late at night.
Stay Safe On The Water
In May, we celebrate safe boating week and shared safe boating tips for you to use every time you get out on the water this summer.
Keep The Kids Safe On The Playground
80% of playground injuries are caused by falls, according to the National Program for Playground Safety.
Here are some things to look out for when you take your kids to the park:
- Non-protective surfaces. The ground should be made of wood chips, mulch, sand, shredded tires or rubber mats, which will help protect injuries during a fall from the equipment.
- Sharp or snagging hazards. Beware of hardware that is capable of impaling or cutting a child (bolts, hooks, rungs, etc.), or catching strings or items of clothing. This may be due to lack of playground maintenance.
- Overcrowded play area. Swings should be set far enough away from other equipment so the kids aren’t hit by a moving swing.
- Tripping hazards, like rocks or tree stumps.
- Equipment not recommended for public playgrounds. One example is monkey bars. There are so many injuries caused by monkey bars many experts recommend removing them from all playgrounds.
Contact the owner or park manager if you think the playground is unsafe. And remember, there is no substitute for parental supervision, especially for young children.
Safety is our number one priority. We encourage you to stay safe in the workplace, but also at home with your family and friends!
More safety tips include:
- Always wear a helmet when biking
- Look both ways before crossing the street
- Avoid distracted walking (texting while walking)
- Watch your step with ladder safety