Summer is a season for having fun in the sun, but you want to make sure that you and your family are as safe and healthy as possible. Heat stroke and food poisoning, drowning, allergic responses, heat-related illnesses, sunburns, and travel stress are all severe concerns that might accompany the warm summer days. It’s not all fun and games when it comes to summer safety! Here are some pointers to keep your summer fun continuing while avoiding injury.
Beat The Heat
Your body’s ability to cool itself is tested in unexpected ways when the weather is hot and humid. You may develop a heat-related sickness if your body heats up too quickly, or if you lose too much fluid or salt due to dehydration or perspiration. Learn the signs and symptoms of extreme heat exposure, as well as how to respond appropriately.
Water Safety
When it comes to summer activities with their young children, most parents believe that water safety is first and foremost on their minds. “I only looked away for a second,” caregivers often claim when the unimaginable happens.
NSC statistics point to drowning as a leading cause of death for young children, mostly due to children falling into a pool or being left alone in the bathtub. Of the 3,709 drownings in 2017, more than 12% were children age 4 and younger, according to Injury Facts. Bathtubs, toilets, and even buckets can pose a danger to very young children.
Even though parents are constantly reminded of the need for water safety, drownings still occur. Always be aware of your surroundings and in the present moment when you’re with your kids. A few water safety considerations are as follows:
- Never leave your child alone; if you have to leave, take your child with you.
- Find age-appropriate swim lessons for your child, but keep in mind that lessons do not make your child drown-proof.
- Lifeguards aren’t babysitters; always keep your eyes on your child.
- Don’t let children play around with drains and suction fittings.
- Never consume alcohol when operating a boat, and always make sure everyone is wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Don’t underestimate the power of water; even rivers and lakes can have undertows.
- Always have a first aid kit and emergency contacts handy.
- Get training in CPR.
- If a child is missing, check the water first.
Every pool, every lake, and every warm summer day holds the possibility of new, fun summer experiences. All you need to add is your undivided attention.
Grilling Safety
As the warm summer weather continues, you may be eager to get out and fire up the grill. Make sure you’re following the correct grilling safety standards before you start. Below is a list of the top 10 grilling safety precautions for you to remember the next time you fire up the grill:
- Clean your grill.
- Cook away from other objects.
- Place your grill on stable ground.
- Check for gas leaks.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand.
- Stay by the grill.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Know how to safely start your grill.
- Avoid loose clothing.
- Shut down your grill correctly.