IN THE PUBLIC EYE

Summertime Safety Tips

Author: Alliant

 

Each week throughout National Safety Month is an opportunity to make a difference by identifying risks around the home or improving safety standards in your community. Below are a few safety tips for outdoor recreation to help you stay safe this summer. 

 

Heat-Realated Illness


Summertime comes with increased temperatures and more time outdoors. Hot and humid weather can make it more challenging for your body to cool down. If your body is unable to cool down, heat-related illnesses can occur, which, if left untreated, can become life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are common signs of heat illness to monitor for, including the following:

 

Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are often the first sign of heat illness. Symptoms can include painful muscle cramps, spasms in the legs and abdomen and heavy sweating. If you’re experiencing heat cramps, you should apply firm pressure on the cramping area and sip water. If nausea or prolonged symptoms last for more than an hour, seek medical attention immediately. 

 

Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is also a common sign of heat illness. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, fatigue, clammy or pale skin, fast or weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache or fainting. If you or someone you know may be experiencing heat exhaustion, it’s crucial to move to a cooler environment, loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. Seek medical attention immediately if vomiting or symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour. 

 

Heatstroke
Heatstroke is the most dangerous sign of heat-related illness. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103 F, hot or red, damp skin, fainting or loss of consciousness. Do not consume fluids. Heatstroke is a severe medical emergency; therefore, if you or someone else may be in danger of such, call 911 or find transportation to a hospital immediately. 

 

Summer Driving Hazards
 
Summertime presents drivers with unique challenges, such as added traffic from summer vacationers, sun glare and unpredictable weather patterns. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, July and August are the most dangerous driving months of the year. Drivers must always take precautions when heading out onto the road, but summer presents some specific risks that must be considered. Some summer driving hazards include:
 
  • Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists—Since summer weather allows more people to enjoy outdoor activities, vehicles frequently share the road with joggers, bicyclists and motorcyclists. 
  • Increased traffic—During the summer months, roads are often more congested due to traveling vacationers and road construction projects. 
  • Inclement weather—In the summer, heavy rainfall, hail, and high winds are common in some locations. 
  • Sun glare—Sunshine can cause sun glare and present a challenge for drivers by potentially impairing vision. This issue may be particularly prevalent during early morning and evening hours.
  • Intoxicated drivers—The summer months can be a dangerous time for driving because of all the outdoor celebrations and activities, and research shows alcohol-involved crashes and DUIs increase during this season. 
The American Automobile Association has reported that the 100 days after Memorial Day are the “100 Deadliest Days” of the year for car accidents, with an average of 10 deaths each day.
Emergency rooms often see twice the number of injuries and trauma they see in winter, with the most common injuries being car accidents, severe sunburn, water-sports injuries, dehydration and heat exhaustion
 Drivers can minimize summer driving hazards by:
  • Avoiding distractions. Drivers should remain vigilant and check their surroundings before making lane changes, opening doors or coming to a sudden stop. 
  • Paying attention to weather forecasts. Summer weather patterns include tornados, flash floods, thunderstorms and downpours. Drivers should check the forecast before heading out on the road. 
  • Increasing following distance. By increasing vehicle following distance, drivers can avoid accidents in heavier traffic and construction zones. 
 

Grilling Safety Tips For Your Summer Barbecue

 

Although grilling is a popular way to prepare food in the summer, it can also be dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association reports that May, June, July and August are the most active months for grill fires—with July taking the top spot. Additionally, an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling each year. 
 
Keep the following safety suggestions in mind when grilling:
 
  • Check the gas tank hose before using it for the first time each year.
  • Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from other objects, including your house, trees and outdoor seating.
  • Grill outside only on a flat surface, and don’t bring the grill into an unventilated or enclosed space, such as the garage, carport or porch.
  • Only use starter fluid with charcoal grills—never with gas grills.
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area.
  • Don’t leave your grill unattended, as fires can double in size every minute.
  • Clean the grill regularly to remove grease and fat buildup.
Overall, practicing vigilance and taking proper precautions can help reduce fires and associated burn injuries caused by grills.
 
For more information, contact your broker today.