Keep these safety tips in mind this summer.
by Ranger Brandy Hanusosky
Ah, weekends--load up the car, the kids, the dog, the toys, the bikes, the food and head for the park. What could be better than enjoying the sunshine and a well-deserved break? While summer is normally a time for leisure and vacationing, it shouldn't mean letting your guard down when it comes to various summer dangers.
Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours (10 am to 3 pm) and apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater at least 30 minutes before going outside and then every few hours thereafter. Stay hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Wear the right shoes and gear for the sport you are engaged in. Warm up and stretch prior to physical activity and drink lots of water.
Thunderstorms can be sudden and dangerous. Related hazards include lightning, straight-line winds, tornadoes, hail, flash flooding, compromised utilities and downed trees. Practice a safety plan, shelter indoors, have a certified NOAA weather radio and battery backup to receive warnings and stock an emergency kit.
Prevent potential illness by keeping cold foods cold by transporting foods in the air-conditioned car (not in the hot trunk), keeping coolers protected in the shade and serving chilled foods on a platter/tray of ice. Also keep dishes covered to prevent bugs and other foreign debris from contacting your food and discard and food that has been left out for more than two hours. Have everyone wash up (or use hand sanitizer) prior to eating and provide utensils and napkins so people don't use their fingers.
First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes and should be accessible to everyone in the family, except for small children. Make sure it is stocked with everything your family may need. Include personal items like medications, emergency phone numbers and other items your healthcare provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly, make sure flashlight batteries work, check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents. You should have first aid kits at home, in your vehicles and one that can travel easily on outings and hikes.
You may not realize how much the hot temperatures and sun can affect your dog. Please keep the following in mind to make sure your dog stays safe this summer: never leave your dog in the car; provide plenty of water at all times; apply sunscreen to the tips of the dog's ears, the skin around the lips and the tip of the nose when outside for prolonged periods; be cautious on humid days--even in the shade; make sure your dog doesn't overexert itself and keep it on a leash at all times.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for youth between the ages of five and 24. Kids need constant supervision around any source of water and should wear a proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. It's also a good idea for kids older than four to learn to swim.