5 Summer Safety Tips
With the sun shining brighter, you and your family might be inspired to take advantage of all this season offers—and you should! Summer is the time for adventure and making memories. However, with more outdoor activity comes increased risks and hazards, so it's important to prioritize summer safety, especially when it comes to:
Water Safety
In the U.S., 3,500 to 4,000 people drown annually, and drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children under 4. Be sure everyone knows how to swim before entering the water and that children are closely monitored. Consider dangerous conditions in oceans and lakes, such as undertows, sharp rocks or coral, and jellyfish. Always follow posted pool or beach rules. And if you haven't already, it may be time to consider swim lessons for the kids.
Bug Bites
Bugs like mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies can spread malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya and Lyme diseases. These illnesses have tripled since 2004. Protect your family by avoiding floral scents that attract bugs, keeping your yard free of standing water, using a DEET-based bug repellent outdoors and wearing protective clothing. If you are bitten and experience the following symptoms, seek emergency assistance immediately—difficulty breathing, bleeding from the nose or gums, red spots or patches on the skin that don't go away quickly, or severe abdominal pain. Apply an over-the-counter anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone, for minor but itchy bites.
Fireworks
We think you should sit back, enjoy the show, and leave the fireworks display to the professionals. But, if you decide to do your own thing, be aware of the serious risks. In 2021, firecrackers caused 1,500 injuries and sparklers caused 1,100 injuries that required emergency room visits. When using fireworks, it's important to light one at a time and keep a bucket of water in an emergency. Ensure children are always supervised and everyone wears proper eye protection and protective clothing. After the show, ensure all fireworks have been extinguished completely before disposing of them, and do not attempt to re-light or alter already lit fireworks.
Overheating
Every year, overheating causes 67,500 emergency room visits and 702 deaths. To avoid heat-related illness, don't schedule outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and take frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas. Make sure you wear light, breathable clothing and drink plenty of water when spending time outdoors. If you suspect you or a loved one has suffered a heat-related illness, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overheating include dizziness, nausea, headache and heavy sweating, while signs of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech and a body temperature above 103°F.
Sunburns
According to the National Cancer Society, 33,000 sunburns require emergency room visits annually. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously all over your body 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours—especially after swimming or sweating. Stay out of direct sunlight when the sun's rays are the strongest, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Remembering these precautions can help ensure you have a good but safe summer time!
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