Summer Safety in Sand Springs
As the hot sun brings warmth to the earth and school is let out for summer vacation, it’s important to freshen up on summer safety! When we get busy and schedules are hectic, basic knowledge of safety can come in handy when a little one has a tumble or bug bites start itching from late nights around the campfire. Here’s a list of seven summer safety tips that you should keep in mind as we head for summer vacation.
1: The Tumble
Warm weather means we get to play outside! Yahoo! But it also means that there is a higher risk for falling and becoming injured. For preventative measures, make sure your home’s first aid kid is amply stocked with alcohol swabs for cleaning and medicated ointment and bandages to keep any minor scrapes and cuts clean. If you are uncertain about the severity of an injury, don’t be afraid to visit a local urgent care or make a call into a doctor’s office to make a plan of action.
2: Bugs That Bite
Bug bites are never fun and usually end with red bumps and uncontrollable itching! For preventative measures, be sure your first aid kit is stocked with bug spray and an anti-itch cream or spray. This will help prevent bug bites, and help the bites from becoming sores from being scratched too much! Another big help is having citronella candles at the ready to ward off pesky bugs from your outdoor gatherings. Being prepared for bugs is always best, you don’t want to be caught empty handed!
3: Firework Extravaganza
During firework season, everyone loves a good show and some Fun Pops shared with family and friends. However, it is important to go over safety with anyone who plans on setting off fireworks. First things first, wear closed-toe shoes. This can help prevent tripping, and will keep your feet protected incase of emergencies. Second, when lighting fireworks, it’s always a good idea to use a punk provided by the stand or store you purchased from. Rather than using a live flame, these will still set off the firework, and you won’t need to worry about starting a lighter. Next, make sure the ignition platform is sturdy. Placing a wooden platform where items can lay flat, and possibly be weighed down so they stay upright, is best. No one wants a firework shot in their direction! Lastly, squat an arms length away from the item when lighting. After the fuse is lit, make sure to jog a safe distance of 35 feet.
Note: Spectators should be a safe distance of 150 feet from the igniting platform.
4: Summer Sun
The summer sun can heat up your car from zero to 100 real quick! When leaving your car in the parking lot or driveway, take a look around to make sure you aren’t leaving anything that could explode, like a can of pop, or make a sticky mess, like a bar of chocolate. Parked cars in the sun can reach up to 125 degrees, so it’s vital that children and animals are not left inside the vehicle, even if you’re gone for only a few minutes. You might consider investing in a window shade to protect your car from overheating, too, which will make it much more bearable when entering the car.
5: Grilling
Bring on the summer foods, am I right? I can smell the delicious burgers, hotdogs, and kabobs now, can’t you?! Grilling out with friends and family is one of the special things about summer. But there are a few things to think about before starting up the grill after a long winter. Check your propane tank for any leaks. Make sure your grill top is properly cleaned to ensure the grease buildup is cleared away for a new season of fresh foods, which reduces the risk of a grease fire. For preventative maintenance, it is a great idea to keep an up-to-date fire extinguisher handy for emergencies. Lastly, Don’t leave your grill unattended, especially with small children around. It’s a great idea to start educating yourself and your children about safety when around and using a grill.
6: Water Safety
A day at the pool is always the highlight of summer vacation, wouldn’t you agree?! No matter if it’s a friends house or a community pool – water safety is essential for a relaxing day. First things first, if your child is an inadequate swimmer, ALWAYS have them wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. Seconds count when it comes to swimming, so never leave your children unattended in a body of water. Consider enrolling your new swimmer into a class so they can learn the proper way to swim and know what to do if they ever get into a life-threatening situation.
7: Sun Exposure
While Vitamin D is a good thing, too much exposure to the sun can be detrimental to your health. Sunburns and overexposure to the sun can cause an inflammatory response that radiates through the body and makes you feel sick. To help prevent this, make sure you use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15. Drink a generous amount of water as you can easily become dehydrated without realizing it. Also, consider wearing a wide brimmed hat to protect your face and ears from the sun!
This year be proactive in educating yourself and others on how to keep yourself and others safe during summer heat and activities! Out of all of the summer safety tips, it’s important to remember that if you are unsure or in need of help to call for help immediately. Sand Springs has a great task force that is ready to help no matter how big or small an issue may be.
Have a great summer and stay safe, Sandites!
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