Important Safety Tips for Summer

Summer vacation is right around the corner! Waiting for us are lazy days, picnics, swimming, biking, playing at the park, traveling, and more. However, it’s important that you stay safe as you participate in summer activities such as these; here are a few ways to stay safe this summer:

Sun Safety

During the summer months, kids and adults are at greater risk for sunburns. Besides being painful, sunburns can lead to skin cancer down the road. Use sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) protection every time you and your child go outside.

Heat Safety

The sun can cause people to overheat, particularly in the long, hot summer days. Schedule outdoor activities carefully, for morning and evening hours. Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Make sure to keep yourself and children hydrated with plenty of water.

Water Safety

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 – 4 years of age. Keep your children safe by watching them when they are in or around water, without distraction. Ensure young children are within arm’s reach of an adult. Know what to do in an emergency by learning CPR and basic water rescue.

Vacation Safety

Summer is a great time for taking family trips and vacations. Here are some safety tips for summer vacations; hold your mail, time your lights and electronics, have a neighbor park out front, ask neighbors to keep an eye out, avoid social media and nix the spare key.

Bike Safety

Bicycle riding is a fun, healthy way to be independent and get good exercise. Before taking off on your bike this summer, make sure it is ready to ride. Adjust your bicycle to fit you, wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet, see and be seen, avoid riding at night and stay alert always!

How to Ward Off Bugs and Tend to Bites

Most bug bites don’t cause harm to people; some do and can spread dangerous diseases. Mosquito bites are irritating though harmless, but some can transmit diseases like West Nile Virus. Bees, wasps, and hornets can cause serious anaphylaxis.

To ward off bugs in summer:

• Don’t apply perfumes or use scented soaps
• Stay away from heavily wooded areas or stagnant water
• Use insect repellent
• Wear long sleeves, hats, and pants to help limit skin exposure to insects.
• Once you are bitten and have itchy, raised areas, try applying an ice pack for roughly 15 minutes about four times daily.
• Get to an ER if you have difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and lips, vomiting, or fever.

How To Avoid Fireworks and Burn Injuries

During summer, people gather outside to celebrate their memorable events, and fireworks are a common theme. To help prevent burn injuries from fireworks:

• Don’t let kids play with fireworks; sparklers burn at nearly 2,000 degrees F.
• Use fireworks where there are no burn dangers or flammables
• Don’t relight fireworks that don’t light; instead, put them in water

If you have burns, contact Memorial Village Emergency Room for immediate medical attention.