Helpful Precautions for a Safe Summer

Last summer, Barbara was in her car stopped at a red light when her backseat passenger window suddenly shattered. “A man was mowing on a commercial lawn mower next to my car. The mower threw a huge rock so hard that it shattered the window glass all over my friend who was sitting in that exact spot. The rock could have killed her had she not just closed the window.”

Each year across the United States, on average, more than 6,000 people sustain serious injuries — including burns, cuts, and broken bones — in lawn-mower accidents, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins researchers, published in the journal of Public Health Reports.

Warm weather and longer days bring us all outdoors to enjoy yard work, gardening, pool parties, beach days, and boating. Unfortunately, emergency rooms are the busiest during the summer months.

We know how important it is to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen throughout those hot summer days, but how else can you stay safe this summer? Look before you leap. Lakes and

beaches are popular destinations during the summer. Alcohol consumption can lead to impaired judgment while boating, swimming, and diving. Make sure to not ever dive off of a boat unless you are certain that the water is deep enough to avoid injury.

Drowning is silent. The #1 cause

of death in children ages 1-4 is drowning. When using wading pools or buckets, empty them immediately and turn them upside down. Always designate a responsible adult to watch the children while they swim, especially at family beach days and pool parties. Do not use a cell phone while supervising children who are swimming. It only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown.

Don’t get burned.

In 2014-2018, an average of 19,700 patients annually went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Nearly half of the injuries were thermal burns, including both burns from fire and from contact with hot objects. Ensure your grill is used outdoors only, and keep it clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the trays.

Fight the Bite. Ticks and mosquitoes feed on the blood of humans and animals to survive.

Unfortunately, they both carry dangerous diseases and viruses that may negatively impact your health. Protect yourself by wearing light-colored clothing that covers your body, use insect repellent as directed, and avoid tall grassy fields and areas of stagnating water.

Buckle up. The summer months record the highest number of fatal car accidents in the United States each year. The top causes? Drunk driving, excessive speed, cell phone distraction, and not wearing a seat belt. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt, including those in the backseat. It saves lives.