We’ve all been looking forward to summer this year, perhaps more than ever. COVID-19 related Restrictions in North Carolina and around the United States are lifting just in time for planning your vacations and activities for the summer.
While we all can rejoice in the fact that we can spend our summer days and summer nights outside, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your friends, family and loved ones safe.
Safety At Home
What is summer without the heat, humidity, and high temperatures? We all now the sun is the best source for vitamin D. However, too much sun during the summer months can often prove to be deadly for small children, seniors, and people with underlying health issues.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough.”
You should know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and how to treat it and always remember to consume plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to stay properly hydrated. Visit the CDC website to learn more about how to keep you and your family safe this summer.
Water Safety
Heading to the lake, pool, or ocean this summer, then you should definitely know how much water safety is important.
According to www.nsc.org , “While drowning deaths peak among one and two year old’s, drownings continue to be the second leading cause of preventable death through age 15.”
Remember these safety tips from the National Safety Council (NSC):
- Don’t go in the water unless you know how to swim; swim lessons are available for all ages.
- Never swim alone.
- Learn CPR and rescue techniques.
- Make sure the body of water matches your skill level; swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in a lake or river, where more strength is needed to handle currents.
- If you do get caught in a current, don’t try to fight it; stay calm and float with it, or swim parallel to the shore until you can swim free.
- Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
- Don’t push or jump on others.
- Don’t dive in unfamiliar areas.
- Never drink alcohol when swimming.
Remember that in North Carolina, it is against the law to operate a boat while under the influence.
Auto accidents
If you have started traveling for the summer, you will notice there are more people on the roads compared to summer 2020. Now that people are more willing to travel, auto accidents are another risk during the warmer months. Things you should be aware of when driving:
- There are more motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians out during the summer months.
- Avoid distracted driving.
- Watch for bad weather and be aware of those around you.
Safety On Vacation
Traveling for the summer automatically makes you a target for offenders. Whether you’re on vacation for a weekend or a week, criminals know how and where to seek out people who are not paying attention and are not aware of their surroundings. To keep you and your personal property safe follow these steps:
- Don’t take valuables or carry large amounts of cash while on vacation.
- Know how to contact the police in the event of an emergency.
- Don’t take risks you wouldn’t normally take if you were at home.
- When going away on vacation, be sure to properly secure your home by locking all doors and windows.
- It is also a good idea to set a few lights and a television or radio on a timer and have someone collect your mail while you are away.
- Remember to arrange for care for your pets as well.
Safety On the Job
Those of you who work outside during the summer should take extra precaution during the summer months. Always take heat warnings and severe weather conditions seriously. If you are working outside this summer don’t forget to:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Wear proper clothing
- Know company safety procedures
- Notify employer of injury within 30 days of the injury.
No matter what your plans are for the summer stay safe and take advantage of increased ability to get out and enjoy yourselves.