Summer safety tips
Summer is here, which means it's time to have some fun in the sun. The following tips will help you and your families to stay safe and avoid summer-related health and safety concerns.
Pool and Water Safety
Thousands of individuals are injured or die while swimming or boating each year, and children under the age of 15 are far more likely to be harmed than anybody else. When going to a pool, lake, or the coast, follow these guidelines:
Keep an eye on the kids. If you have more than one adult with you, rotate who watches them so they are never without supervision.
Provide a safe life jacket for toddlers to wear when on and around the water. When on a boat, everyone should use life jackets no matter their age.
Watch out for anyone who jumps or dives into the water to make sure they come up.
Always have a cellphone nearby in case of an emergency.
Keep Your Skin Safe
Here are a few suggestions to keep your family's skin health safe from the harsh Arizona summer sun:
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it frequently.
Choose a variety with SPF 15 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Keep toddlers under the age of one out of the sun whenever possible. Outfit them in light-colored, lightweight attire that covers as much skin as feasible when outdoors.
Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
Be extra careful between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at it's peak.
Avoid Heat-Related Issues
In Arizona’s high summer heat, your chance of getting a heat-related sickness rises substantially. The elderly, children and those with persistent health issues are the most vulnerable. The following suggestions can assist you in avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and warnings so you can know in advance about dangers and take necessary measures for their prevention.
A person suffering from heat exhaustion may show indicators, such as being drenched, exhausted, and nauseated. Their skin could also feel clammy. Symptoms of heat stroke include disorientation, a high temperature, dry and hot skin, and even seizures.
Try to avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as much as possible.
Make sure you get enough water during the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Encourage your kids to do so as well. Water can help you stay hydrated. If you’re going to be outside, consider sports drinks. Sports drinks will keep you hydrated and replace the minerals that you lose in the heat of the desert.
Never leave children, older adults or pets in a parked car where temperatures can rise really fast, exposing them to danger.
Take Measures to Prevent Bug Bites
Mosquitoes appear in Arizona during the monsoon season and near some of the state's many recreational lakes. Although most are harmless, some carry the West Nile virus, which, in rare cases, can induce encephalitis or meningitis. Scratching mosquito bites may result in irritation and infections.
Ticks can also cause issues. Arizona is home to about eight desert types. When ticks bite, they can transmit a number of dangerous diseases.
Apply insect repellent to your clothing, arms, and legs. Don't apply the repellent to wounds, scratches, inflammations, or sunburned skin. Be cautious about where you apply the spray if you have small children so they don't ingest it. Wash-off any insect repellents as soon as you get back home.
Try to avoid being outside at sunrise and sunset. That's when bugs are most active.
Wear long sleeves, pants, and shoes or boots that are closed-toed when working in the yard or going on a trip to keep ticks at bay.
Before going indoors, check for ticks and remove any you find.
Picnic Safety
Although dining al fresco may be delightful, food poisoning has a greater chance of occurring during the warm season. That’s because bacteria thrive around temperatures between 40°F(4°C) and 140°F(60°C) and have the potential to double in number in as little as 20 minutes. Here are a few picnic safety suggestions to bear in mind:
Clean and sanitize the cooler, cooking utensils, and containers you'll use to transport and cook food to your picnic site.
Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-serve. Don't mix the utensils you use for either to prevent cross-contamination.
Keep cold foods cold (under 40°F(4°C)) and hot foods hot (above 140°F(60°C)) until it's time to serve. Get the leftovers in the fridge within two hours, or one hour if it’s above 90°F(32°C) outside. Throw away perishable foods left out too long.
Playground Safety
Here are a few ways to keep your kids safe on the playgrounds:
Keep an eye on the kids as they play. Keep a cautious eye on children as they walk or run near swings; make sure they stay far enough away to avoid being kicked accidentally.
It's best not to swing with small children in your lap.
Before your kid slides down, use your hand to make sure the slides aren't too hot. They can get to searing temperatures with the summer sun.
Look for exposed bolts and any potentially dangerous edges on equipment.
While playing, follow sun and heat safety suggestions to avoid sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Keep cool by taking breaks in the shade or going indoors for a rest. Bring lots of water so that everyone may stay hydrated.
Pet Safety
Just like their human counterparts, pets face a variety of health concerns including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, burns, and other ailments. If you want your dog to join in the family's summer activities, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Bring a water dish with you and make sure your dog drinks enough.
Make sure your dog has access to a shaded location where it can get out of the sun's rays and heat.
It's important not to spend too much time outside, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If that's possible, consider walking early in the morning or late at night.
Before allowing your dog to walk on the pavement, check its temperature with the back of your hand. Wait to go for a walk or put booties on their feet if necessary to protect their paw pads from the heat.
Be mindful of your dog’s breed. Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are more susceptible to breathing issues and overheating than others are.
Never leave pets unattended in a parked car.
Make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccines as well as their flea and tick preventatives.
If you take your dog swimming, don't leave them alone in the water. A canine life jacket with a good fit is also a smart idea.
Thanks to https://livavenida.com/blog/best-tips-summer-safety for all of the great summer tips!
