Summer Safety Series

Summer is a time for outdoor fun and adventure, but it’s also a season when safety should be a top priority. Whether you’re hiking, biking, camping, or just enjoying a picnic, it’s essential to stay safe and protect yourself and your loved ones from potential hazards. Here are some comprehensive tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer outdoors.

Sun Safety

1. Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
2. Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.
3. Seek Shade: Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Find shade under trees, umbrellas, or tents.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related illnesses.

Hydration and Heat Safety

1. Drink Water Regularly: Carry a water bottle and sip water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
2. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: These can dehydrate you. Stick to water and electrolyte-replenishing drinks.
3. Take Breaks: Rest in the shade or a cool place to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
4. Wear Lightweight Clothing: Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothes to help your body stay cool.

Hiking and Camping Safety

1. Plan Ahead: Research your destination, check the weather forecast, and inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
2. Pack Essentials: Bring a map, compass, first-aid kit, flashlight, extra food and water, and weather-appropriate gear.
3. Stay on Marked Trails: This reduces the risk of getting lost and encountering dangerous wildlife or plants.
4. Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance from wild animals. Store food securely to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife.

Water Safety

1. Swim Safely: Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Never swim alone and always keep an eye on children.
2. Learn to Swim: Enroll in swimming lessons if you or your children are not confident swimmers.
3. Wear Life Jackets: When boating or participating in water sports, always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
4. Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol while swimming, boating, or supervising children near water.

Bike and Scooter Safety

1. Wear Helmets: Always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding bikes or scooters.
2. Follow Traffic Rules: Obey traffic signs and signals, ride in the direction of traffic, and use hand signals.
3. Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights or reflectors, especially when riding at dawn, dusk, or night.
4. Check Equipment: Regularly inspect your bike or scooter for proper functioning, including brakes and tires.

Bug Safety

1. Use Insect Repellent: Apply repellents containing DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients to protect against mosquitoes and ticks.
2. Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves and pants can help prevent insect bites.
3. Avoid Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so avoid areas with stagnant pools.
4. Check for Ticks: After spending time in wooded or grassy areas, check your body and clothing for ticks. Remove any ticks promptly.

Food Safety

1. Keep Food Cold: Use coolers with ice packs to keep perishable foods at safe temperatures.
2. Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods. Use separate cutting boards and utensils.
3. Cook Thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to safe temperatures.
4. Wash Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food.

By following these summer safety tips, you can enjoy the season’s outdoor activities while minimizing risks. Stay prepared, stay hydrated, and stay safe!

With summer in full swing, I wanted to take a moment to touch on some summer safety tips. Adequately named “Summer Safety Series”.

The Risks of Hot Cars

Even with windows cracked, the interior of a car can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, which can be fatal. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises to a dangerous level, leading to organ failure and death.

Temperature Facts

• Rapid Temperature Rise: The temperature inside a car can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. On a 70°F day, the interior can reach 104°F in half an hour.
• Heatstroke Risk: A core body temperature of 104°F can cause heatstroke. Temperatures above 107°F are often fatal.
• No Safe Time: There is no safe amount of time to leave a child or pet in a car, regardless of the temperature outside.

Preventive Measures

1. Always Check the Backseat: Make it a habit to open the back door every time you park, even if you think no one is there. This habit can save lives.
2. Use Visual Reminders: Place an essential item like a purse, phone, or shoe in the backseat. This visual cue will remind you to check the backseat before leaving the car.
3. Have a Plan: Ensure all caregivers are aware of the child’s or pet’s location. If your routine changes, communicate with others to avoid leaving someone behind.
4. Use Technology: Many vehicles are now equipped with alert systems that remind you to check the backseat. Utilize these features if available.
5. Never Leave Alone: Even for a short errand, never leave children or pets alone in a car.

What to Do if You See a Child or Pet in a Hot Car

1. Call 911: Contact emergency services immediately. Provide the location and vehicle details.
2. Try to Locate the Owner: Check nearby stores or buildings. Ask them to page the owner.
3. Take Immediate Action: If the child or pet is in distress, find a way to get them out safely. This may involve breaking a window. Ensure the child or pet is brought to a cool environment and given water while waiting for emergency services.

Educating the Community

• Spread Awareness: Share information about the dangers of hot cars on social media, in community meetings, and through local organizations.
• Advocate for Laws: Support legislation that makes it illegal to leave children and pets unattended in vehicles and provides immunity for those who rescue them.
• Public Campaigns: Participate in or organize public campaigns that educate parents and pet owners about the risks of hot cars.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can enjoy a safer summer while protecting those you love.

With summer in full swing, I wanted to take a moment to touch on some summer safety tips. Adequately named “Summer Safety Series”.

Why Hot Surfaces are Dangerous for Pets

In summer, surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and sand can become extremely hot, burning your pet’s sensitive paws. Unlike humans, pets don’t wear shoes to protect their feet, making them vulnerable to burns and discomfort.

Temperature Facts

• Asphalt Temperature: On a 77°F day, asphalt in direct sunlight can reach up to 125°F.
• Burn Threshold: At temperatures above 120°F, skin destruction can occur within 60 seconds.

Signs of Burned Paws

• Limping or refusing to walk
• Licking or chewing at the feet
• Red, blistered, or darker than usual paw pads
• Whining or vocalizing in pain

Tips for Protecting Your Pet’s Paws

1. Test the Surface: Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.
2. Walk During Cooler Times: Schedule walks early in the morning or late in the evening when surfaces are cooler.
3. Use Paw Protection: Consider using dog booties or paw wax. Booties provide a barrier between your pet’s paws and the hot surface, while paw wax can help condition and protect the pads.
4. Stay on Grass: Walk your pet on grassy areas rather than hot pavement. Grass stays cooler and is less likely to burn their paws.
5. Hydrate: Keep your pet well-hydrated. Adequate hydration helps regulate their body temperature and prevents overheating.
6. Avoid Hot Surfaces: If possible, carry your pet over hot surfaces or drive them to a grassy area for their walks.

First Aid for Burned Paws

• Cool the Paws: Rinse the affected paws with cool water (not ice-cold) to soothe the burn and reduce inflammation.
• Bandage the Paws: Gently wrap the paws with a clean, loose bandage to protect them from further injury and prevent infection.
• Vet Visit: Seek veterinary care immediately. Burned paws can be very painful and may require professional treatment.

Preventive Measures

• Paw Balm: Regularly apply a moisturizing paw balm to keep your pet’s paw pads soft and less prone to cracking and burning.
• Shade and Shelter: Ensure your pet has access to shade and shelter during outdoor activities.
• Paw Checks: Regularly check your pet’s paws for signs of injury or burns.

With summer in full swing, I wanted to take a moment to touch on some summer safety tips. Adequately named “Summer Safety Series”.

Understanding Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow from the shore out to sea. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including oceans, seas, and large lakes. These currents are responsible for the majority of beach rescues and can be life-threatening if not handled correctly.

How Rip Currents Form

Rip currents form when waves break strongly in some locations and weakly in others, causing a circulation of water that needs to escape back out to sea. The water flows along the shore and then funnels through a narrow channel back out beyond the waves.

Recognizing Rip Currents

• Color Difference: Rip currents can appear darker than the surrounding water due to deeper channels where the current is moving.
• Foam and Debris: Look for foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily out to sea, which indicates the presence of a rip current.
• Breaking Wave Pattern: There may be a noticeable gap in the line of breaking waves, where the water seems calmer. This can actually be the area where the current is strongest.

How to Break Free from a Rip Current

1. Stay Calm: Panicking can lead to exhaustion. It’s crucial to stay calm and keep your head above water.
2. Float or Tread Water: If you can’t swim out of the rip current, float or tread water. Most rip currents will eventually release you beyond the breakers.
3. Swim Parallel to the Shore: Don’t try to swim directly back to shore against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current’s grip, then swim back to the beach at an angle away from the current.
4. Wave for Help: If you can’t escape, draw attention to yourself by waving and shouting for help. Lifeguards or other beachgoers can assist you.

Additional Safety Tips

• Swim Near Lifeguards: Swimming near lifeguards significantly increases your chances of survival if you get caught in a rip current.
• Observe Warning Flags and Signs: Pay attention to beach warning flags and signs that indicate the presence of rip currents.
• Never Swim Alone: Always swim with a buddy. It’s safer and more enjoyable.
• Know Your Limits: If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow water where you can touch the bottom.

Educating Others

• Teach Children: Ensure children understand the dangers of rip currents and know how to respond if caught in one.
• Community Programs: Participate in or organize community programs that educate beachgoers about rip currents.