Saturday, May 18, 2013
Fun in the Sun: Summer Safety Tips to Avoid Injuries
Summertime outdoor activities can be fun, but it’s important to follow good summer safety habits to avoid injuries.
Swimming pools are a perfect way to cool off from the hot sun, but safety comes first when enjoying the water.
According to National SAFE Kids , drowning is:
Keep the following safety precautions in mind:
Adult supervision is key. An adult should always be able to see and hear children who are swimming and be close enough to intervene in case of an emergency.
The pool environment is important. Separate home pools from the rest of the property to prevent children from walking directly into the pool area. If possible, use a fence or other barrier at least 4 feet high with openings no more than 4 inches apart and extend it completely around the pool.
Teach children to swim. Parents should enroll children before the age of eight in swimming lessons with a certified instructor.
Outdoor cooking is popular during the summer months. Unfortunately, grilling can be dangerous.
According to the most recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, the improper use of grills causes:
To keep families and their homes out of harm’s way, the Home Safety Council recommends the following safe grilling techniques:
Be cautious of nearby tree branches or other items which could catch on fire.
Know how to use a fire extinguisher and keep one handy.
Keep your grill at least 10 feet from a home or building.
Leave a grill unattended, especially when small children and pets are present.
Attempt to restart a charcoal flame by adding additional lighter fluid.
Keep filled propane tanks in a hot car or truck.
Prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damages skin and eyes.
According to the American Cancer Society:
A majority of the more than 2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed annually are sun related.
An estimated 68,130 new melanomas are diagnosed each year.
To lower the risk of skin cancer practice the following sun safety tips recommended by the American Cancer Society:
Avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time
Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Wear a shirt to guard against excessive sun exposure.
Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Wear a hat to shade your face, ears and neck.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and surrounding skin from UV ray damage.
Relaxing in the pool, grilling outdoors and enjoying the sun are all great summer activities, but don’t let summer fun turn dangerous – Practice good summer safety.