411PAIN’s Summer Safety Tips

Time to take out the sunscreen, barbeque grill and bathing suits because summer is officially here! As fun as it is enjoying the outdoors during the summer, it’s important to be as safe as possible. Here are the top 10 tips that will help maximize the fun you’ll have this summer:

1.     Swimming Safety: The most important tip is to make sure you supervise children in the pool. It’s also a good idea to install fencing or gates around pools that are at least 5 feet tall –this can prevent 50-90% of accidental drowning. You can also install a gate alarm that alerts you when the gate has been opened.

2.     Helmet Safety: Make sure you wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Confirm that the helmet fits, is well adjusted and won’t slip off. Head injuries are the most common in bicycle crashes and a helmet makes all the difference in the world. 

3.     Heat Safety: To avoid heat-related illnesses, it’s important to stay in shaded or air conditioned areas during peak-heat hours of the day (10a.m.–6p.m.). Be on the lookout for heat-related illness symptoms like thirst, fatigue, leg/abdominal cramps, dizziness, headaches, and nausea. It’s also important to not leave anyone in a car unattended. They could be affected even if the windows are cracked open. 

4.     Hydration Safety: We’re supposed to drink half of our body weight in ounces every day. Remind yourself and your kids to drink water often, all day. If they are active, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends they drink water every 20 minutes. 

5.     Food Safety: Heat can ruin your food and cause bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella, among others, to surface. To avoid food-related illnesses, make sure foods that contain mayonnaise, eggs, milk, meat, poultry, seafood, raw fruits and vegetables aren’t kept at or above room temperature for more than an hour. 

6.     Firework Safety: During the summer, we like to celebrate by getting together with friends and family and sometimes lighting fireworks. The best way to stay safe is to go to a community event that’s run by professionals. It’s easier than you think to get a burn or injury from fireworks –stay safe!

7.     Skin Safety: It’s highly recommended that those of all ages apply a water resistant sunscreen every day. Make sure it’s at least SPF 30 and applied 15-30 minutes before going outdoors.

8.     Playground Safety: Check the playground before letting your child play, make sure the surfaces aren’t hot to prevent burns and check equipment to ensure all parts are tight and safe to use. Make sure your child removes anything they have around their neck that could get caught on the equipment. Of course: make sure you have your eyes on them at all times.

9.     Bug Safety: Bugs love to come out and play during the summer. Make sure to apply insect repellent before going outdoors. To protect your skin from insect-related diseases, use repellents that contain DEET. Consider covering up with long sleeved shirts, pants and socks to prevent contact with bugs.

10.                        Grilling Safety: Don’t let children near the grill. Even if the grill has been off for a while, it can stay hot and cause an accident.

Follow these top 10 summer safety tips to reduce the chance of an accident and ensure this summer is the best one yet! If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident –remember after 911, call 411! 1-800-411-PAIN can put you in touch with an experienced, aggressive network attorney who will fight for your rights and get the maximum compensation you deserve. Don’t forget to follow 411 PAIN on Twitter (@411PAIN) and keep up with the conversation at #411PAIN!