Summertime brings about spending more time outdoors and enjoying fun activities with family and friends. It’s the time for barbecues, trips to the lake, the beach, parades, fireworks, cycling, picnics, and baseball games. Planning a fun outing can be enjoyable but it’s important to take a moment to prepare, so you can ensure your family gatherings are happy and memorable.
According to the National Safety Council, a leading non-profit safety organization committed to preventing death and injury, summer is a leading season for injuries. The month of June is designated National Safety Month, established by the National Safety Council, to bring attention to saving lives and preventing injuries in the summertime.
Before you set out on your next adventure or family activity, take time to review four key topics that can pose a threat to your family fun. Preparing properly for your next outside get-together can prevent an unnecessary trip to the emergency room.
Water Safety
Fireworks Safety
Hot Weather Survival
Bike Safety
- Water Safety - Spending the afternoon with friends at the pool seems simple but water can be dangerous if you are not careful or paying attention. In 2021, drowning caused 4,300 US deaths. While most drowning deaths affect younger children, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 (and is the second leading cause of death in children 5-14). It’s important to remember not to go into the water, even shallow areas, unless you know how to swim. You should never swim alone. Only swim in the body of water that matches your swim level. Swimming in a local pool is very different than swimming in a lake, river or ocean where currents can require more strength and endurance to swim. If caught in a current, float with it, or swim parallel to shore - do not swim directly against the current. Even strong swimmers should swim where there is supervision by others or a lifeguard on duty. Don’t dive in unfamiliar areas or where you cannot see the bottom, as life altering head and neck injuries can occur.Never drink alcohol when swimming. Alcohol has contributed to half of all male teen drownings.
- Fireworks Safety - Whether it is Memorial Day or Fourth of July, fireworks displays make an outdoor celebration more festive and fun, but only if you follow safe practices when using and setting off fireworks. First, you should enjoy fireworks at public events conducted by professionals. Even though you can purchase legal fireworks, they are often not safe for amateur use at home, due to manufacturer or user error. Every year, thousands of holiday celebrations involving fireworks include a trip to the hospital or emergency room and fireworks start an average of 19,000 fires annually. It goes without saying that you should never hold a firework directly in your hand when lighting it, or point fireworks in the direction of others. It also is hazardous to light them indoors or light more than one firework at a time. Keep water nearby if you do use fireworks or sparklers and make sure to soak inactive or consumed fireworks before throwing them away. You can be sure to have a safe holiday celebration when you leave the display management to the pros.
- Hot Weather Survival - When the heat index is somewhere off the charts, easy does it. According to statistics published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in 2021, 201 people died and 67 had significant injuries due to excessive heat and record temperatures. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur when the body is unable to regulate its own temperature through sweating, when temperatures soar. This can impact infants and young children, especially if left in a hot car, older adults, or people who have chronic health conditions. For everyone, it’s important to stay hydrated on hot days and drink water before you become thirsty (if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated). If you are going to be out and exposed to the sun, wear lighter clothing that will reflect the sun’s rays, and reduce your exposure during the highest temperature hours of the day (between 10am and 4pm). If your home is not air-conditioned, visit shops, restaurants or the public library where you can take advantage of cooler temperatures for comfort and safety. Take advantage of ceiling fans and close your blinds to keep rooms cooler during the heat of the day. If you are out driving, use sunshades to cool your car’s interior when you park, and park in garages or under trees for additional shade to lower the temperature. Another important thing to remember is your diet during steamy days. Consider eating more salads, and high-water content foods like berries, watermelons, cucumbers and grapes. These will increase your hydration and help you maintain a healthy body temperature.
- Bike Safety - Kids of all ages enjoy cycling, but in the last 10 years, cycling deaths have increased by 37%. During the summer months, kids and adults will be biking for exercise, transportation and fun but they are also sharing the road with cars, which can create risk. In 2021, out of 1,230 bicycle deaths, 853 of those deaths involved a vehicle. Besides knowing the basic safety of cycling, such as only riding a bike that is the proper size and height for your body, tires should be properly inflated and your bike should have reflectors, a horn or bell and a headlight for biking at sunset, evening or early morning hours. You need to also wear appropriate clothing that is bright, fluorescent or reflective apparel, so you can be seen by motorists. Wear a proper fitting helmet and obey the rules of the road and traffic laws. Use hand signals when riding and teach young children these rules as they begin to ride. Visit the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s website (nhtsa.gov) for more information on road safety.
With all the fun and excitement of summer, be sure you and your family are protected from harm and injury while you enjoy your favorite activities. Stay safe and get more information on summer safety or proper insurance protection by contacting Hurley Insurance Group at 910-868-3500 or visit www.hurleyinsurancegroup.com.
Source: The National Safety Council, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration websites.