Summer Safety

It’s that time of year when school is out, temperatures begin to rise, and families are outside. As the heat increases, the risks of incidents ranging from water-related accidents to outdoor injuries also increase.

From 2023 to 2024, 41% of fatal unintentional injuries among children occurred during the summer months.

Practicing these safety tips could avoid an unexpected trip to the emergency room.

Follow these tips for a fun-filled, stress-free summer:

• Outdoor Activities:
  • Pack a backpack with essentials such as clothing, water, identification, gear, and snacks
  • Use the buddy system and avoid hiking or biking alone
  • Leave a copy of your plan at home with a responsible person. Call and check in when you start and finish your activity
• BBQ Safety:
  • Place grills within a safe distance from homes, deck railings, tables, overhanging branches, and areas where people gather
  • After grilling, let the coal completely cool (for about 48 hours) before disposing in a metal container
• Ride Safety:
  • Wear equipment that will always keep you protected and visible
  • Obey all street signs, signals, and traffic laws
  • Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that is listed by a National Recognized Testing Lab (NRTL)
• First Aid Preparedness:
  • Become CPR and First-Aid certified
  • Always have a first-aid kit nearby
  • Carry a phone to call 911 in case of an emergency
• Hydration:
  • When performing an activity outside in the heat, drink 1 liter (32 ounces) of water per hour
  • Avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages, causing you to lose fluids and become more dehydrated
• Beach Safety:
  • Swim near a lifeguard and obey all posted warning signs and flags
  • If caught in a rip current, remain calm and do not fight the current. Swim to the side to escape it
• Water Safety:
  • Never rely on water wings or rafts in place of U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets
  • No one should ever swim alone
  • Assign an adult to be a “Water Watcher,” actively keeping their eyes on the water without any distraction
• Pet Care:
  • Never leave pets unattended in a vehicle
  • Watch for signs of heat stroke: heavy panting, red gums, unable to get up, excessive drooling
• Insect Prevention:
  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent
  • Areas with standing water such as flowerpots, buckets, and barrels should be emptied to prevent mosquito breeding sites

Most emergency room visits are preventable. Before leaving your home, look over these safety tips and share them with your friends and family. Be prepared, make smart choices, and most of all have fun!