Outdoor Safety Tips

In the midst of the summer's heat, it is important to take safety precautions as we bask in the sun, grill and swim to get relief from hot temperatures.

Summer fun brings excitement and games but comes with extra safety hazards as well. Here are some tips to help make your summer a safe one.

Heat

Beat the heat!
The sun's rays can cause heat strokes, exhaustion and severe sunburns. In fact, in 1998, all types of skin cancer will claim the lives of almost 9,200 people, according to the National Safety Council. When in the sun, it is important to remember the following:

• Try to avoid the midday sun — especially from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. when it is the strongest.
• Wear sunscreen; apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Put on sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outside.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming and sweating (if sunscreen is not waterproof).
• Apply sunscreen beginning at six months of age. Keep infants under six months of age out of direct sunlight and in the shade.
• Avoid reflective surfaces; they can reflect up to 85 percent of the sun's rays.
• Wear wide-brim hats, visors, sunglasses and tightly woven clothing to protect against the sun.
• Drink plenty of fluids when in the sun to prevent dehydration.

Grilling

When grilling, follow these tips to prevent burns and fires:

• Keep the grill at least 3 feet away from other things, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.
• Use only starter fluid made for barbecue grills. When using a charcoal grill, never use gasoline and never add liquid fuel to reignite or build up a fire.
• Turn off the valves when you are not using your gas grill.
• Store the gas cylinder outside, away from any buildings.
• Follow manufacturer's operating instructions.
• Use a trained professional's assistance if repairs are needed.
• Keep children away from the grill, especially when it is lit and for hours afterwards since it is still hot to the touch.
• Never leave the grill unattended after it is lit

Swimming

Nothing refreshes us in the summer like jumping into the closest body of water. Even as cool and inviting as the water may look, it can be a killer. Drownings claim about 4,800 lives each year and are the fourth leading cause of accidental death in the United States — and about half of all drownings in swimming pools happen on home premises, according to the National Safety Council.

• Never swim alone; when possible, confine water activity to areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Obey all posted safety rules.
• Know your swimming limitations and do not try to exceed them.
• Avoid swiftly moving waters like currents; if caught by a current, swim in the same direction as the current and angle towards shore until you reach safety.
• Stay out of the water during thunderstorms and other extreme weather conditions.
• Know your skills when trying to rescue a swimmer; only experienced, properly trained swimmers should attempt to rescue someone in trouble.
• Learn and practice basic lifesaving techniques, including First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Do not rely on tubes or other floatable devices if you are a poor swimmer; only use a life vest, life jacket or personal floatation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Check water depth before diving; never dive into an above-ground pool.
• When diving, enter the water with arms extended firmly overhead and keep hands together to protect your head.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs when you are around the water.

Swimming with Children

Drowning is the second-leading cause of preventable injury-related death in children with 1,000 fatalities each year, according the National Safety Council. When swimming with children, it is important to take extra safety precautions.

• Every swimming pool should have a five-foot fence, wall, or other barrier surrounding it on all four sides, with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Make sure children are supervised whenever they are in or around water.
• Never leave a child alone or out of eye contact while he or she is near the pool.
• Use inflatable toys and mattresses with caution; children can easily fall out or slide out of these devices.
• Encourage children to swim with a buddy.
• Enroll children over age three in swimming lessons taught by a qualified instructor.

Fireworks

In 1996, about 7,600 people suffered from fireworks-related injuries severe enough to require treatment. Based on the nature of the fireworks products, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly recommends against personal use of fireworks. On Independence Day, make your holiday a safe one by leaving it to the professionals and enjoying those holidays at local parks, festivals and celebrations.