|
Summer Safety
In a few weeks, school will be out and summer temperatures will be high. Summer is a time for lots of sunshine and many outdoor events.
Here are some tips to help you be safe while enjoying summer’s outdoor activities.
Prevent Heat-Related Illness
Your body is designed to keep itself cool, by letting heat escape through the skin, and by evaporating sweat (perspiration).
With the high summer heat and humidity or with intense activity, the body’s normal cooling system can malfunction. Anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses but the very young and the very old are at greater risk.
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, both can dehydrate the body worsening the effects of heat.
- Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
- Don’t use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity or do it during the coolest part of the day, usually between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Stay indoors when possible.
- Take regular breaks on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. Remember, have fun, but stay cool!
Water Safety
Whether you spend time at a pool, a beach or a campsite, safety around the water is very important.
The most basic advice is to learn to swim and always swim with a buddy, never alone. Other safety tips include:
- Swim in approved, supervised areas only.
- Obey all rules and posted signs.
- Supervise infants or young children who are in or near the water. At all times, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."
- Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They can give children a false sense of security.
- Keep rescue equipment, such as a life preserver, as well as a portable telephone near a pool without a lifeguard.
- Don't mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination; affects your swimming and diving skills; and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.
- Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
Lawn Mower and Barbecue Grill Safety
- Use a mower that stops moving forward if the handle is released.
- Do not allow children under the age of 16 to use ride-on mowers or children under the age of 12 to use walk-behind mowers.
- Don’t allow children to ride as passengers on lawn mowers.
- Wear sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) while mowing.
- Pick up objects, such as stones or toys, before mowing.
- Turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths or paved areas.
- Leave sufficient space from the siding and eaves when using barbecue grills on decks or patios.
- Never leave the barbecue grill unattended. Keep children and pets far away.
- Use charcoal starter fluid designed for charcoal grills and do not add fluid after the coals are lit.
- With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Have the grill or mower repaired by a professional, if necessary.
Bug Safety
Experts report that our cold, wet spring will result in an increase in the population of deer ticks that spread Lyme disease.
Another summer pest, the mosquito, is responsible for transmitting West Nile Virus. It will lay its eggs in virtually any container with standing water. To reduce breeding, remove these items from around the home: discarded tires, unwashed birdbaths, clogged rain gutters and unused plastic wading pools.
Some suggestions to reduce the risk for insect bites include:
- Do not use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays.
- Avoid areas where insects nest, such as stagnant water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
- Avoid dressing in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET. The benefits of DEET reach a peak at a concentration of 30 percent, the maximum concentration recommended for infants and children. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age. The concentration of DEET varies from product to product, so read the label carefully.
Have a safe and happy summer!
References:
www.aap.org
www.mass.gov/dph
www.nfpa.org
www.redcross.org
|
|
