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Stay Safe This Summer With These Tips

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and we could not be more excited for all the celebrations occurring this weekend. However, we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

There will be many outdoor activities over the three-day weekend and we want to be sure you are prepared for the heat, water, and fire(works)!

Here are some safety tips to keep your holiday celebrations happy and risk-free:

Heat Safety

As the mercury rises, so does your chance of succumbing to a heat-related illness, which can range from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to more serious heat stroke. Older adults and children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Stay on the cool side by following these tips:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Your body needs water to keep cool, so be sure to drink even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Wear your SPF – sunburns reduce your body’s ability to dissipate heat.
• Avoid overexertion when working or playing outdoors and be sure to take a break every hour by escaping to the air conditioning.
• If a heat-related illness is suspected, act quickly by seeking immediate medical attention.

The warning signs for a heat-related illness are:

Cramping

Rapid pulse

Heavy sweating

Hot red skin

Dizziness

Confusion

Nausea

Vomiting

• Finally, never leave children, disabled adults, or pets in parked vehicles.

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Water Safety

With the temperatures spiking, many will be cooling off with a dip in the water. Whether you find yourself at the beach, lake, or a pool, be sure to take heed of the following tips:

• Be sure to swim in designated areas
• Use the buddy system – never swim alone!
• Never leave young children unattended and do not trust a child’s life to another child.
• Avoid distractions while supervising children around water.
• Ensure that everyone in your family learns to swim well.
• Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets, but do not rely on lifejackets alone.
• Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination, effects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.
• Do not dive-in headfirst. Check for depth and obstructions prior to diving and jump in feet first the first time.
• Pay close attention to children and elderly persons while at the beach because even in shallow water, wave action can cause a loss of footing.

 

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Fireworks Safety

According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) report,

approximately 240 people are sent to the emergency room each day around the Fourth of July holiday for fireworks-related injuries

Don’t become one of the statistics by adhering to the following safety tips, courtesy of the CPSC:

• Only purchase fireworks from reliable fireworks sellers.
• Always read and follow label directions.
• Never allow children to ignite or play with fireworks.
• Only ignite fireworks outdoors.
• 31% of firework-related injuries result from sparklers, which can burn at temperatures hot enough to cause third-degree burns (2,000 degrees Farenheit!). Always have adult supervision at any fireworks activities.
• If a firework is a “dud,” do not try to re-light it or pick it up.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or other mishaps.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device in plenty of water before discarding to prevent a trash fire.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.