The summer season is known for nice weather, time spent with family and friends and having fun. But the longer days also bring more risk for accidents and/or injury. In addition to wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated, there are other precautions that can help you and your family enjoy a safe and fun summer.
Grill Power
With more Americans lighting their grills during the summer months, it is important to remember that any time you work with fire, there is a chance of getting burned. Here are a few safety tips from The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) designed to guide you through the grilling process.
- Use common sense. Advance planning and taking precautions will prevent injuries
- Grills are designed for outdoor use only. Never grill in an enclosed area, such as a house, garage, or tent, because carbon monoxide may accumulate and cause harm
- Keep the grill stable. When using a barbecue grill, be sure that all parts of the unit are firmly fastened in place and cannot tip over
- Use utensils designed for grilling. Use long-handled forks, tongs and spatulas to avoid burns and splatters
Fireworks Safety
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in July of 2017, there were at least four deaths and 11,100 injuries from fireworks-related incidents in 2016.
Because fireworks hold such a high risk for serious burns, fires, and eye injuries, many organizations recommend people avoid consumer fireworks entirely and enjoy public displays put on by professionals. But if you insist on lighting them yourself, commit these safety tips to memory so you can prevent injuries.
- Never let children handle fireworks, even sparklers. Sparklers burn hot enough to melt some metals so imagine what they could do to a child’s hands. Keep a close eye on children at any events where people are lighting fireworks.
- Avoid alcohol while handling fireworks.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Bottle rockets are infamousfor shooting into people’s eyes, so keep them covered whenever possible.
- Keep Fido inside. Most animals become extremely frightened by the loud noises and burning smells of fireworks. Many are likely to run away if they’re not kept safely inside.
Bug Out!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that illnesses from tick, mosquito and flea bites have tripled over the past several years. The most dangerous insect-borne illnesses are the West Nile virus, Zika, the Chikungunya virus, dengue (spread by mosquitoes) and Lyme disease (which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick). The CDC estimates there are 300,000 cases of Lyme disease each year.
There are several ways to quickly protect ourselves this summer:
- If you are traveling, check the CDC traveler’s health website to learn of any outbreaks.
- Tuck in long-sleeved shirts, slip long pants into socks and wear closed-toe shoes. The idea is to give the insects less chance to get at your skin.
- Use bug repellent containing an EPA-registered product and reapply as needed.
- Always do a “tick check” before coming indoors.
