Summer Safety
Summer officially started on June 21, and the Independence Day celebrations will arrive in just a couple of days. It's a good time to think about safety. Did you know that most accidents occur in the summer? It's true. And most fatalities from car accidents caused by drinking and driving occur on summer weekends...more people on vacation, more people on the road, and more people driving recklessly. Most drownings also occur during the summer, many of them children. More people visit hospital emergency rooms in July than any other months of the year.
Please put safety first, so you'll be here to celebrate for many summers to come. Here are some tips for a safe summer.
- Don't drink and drive, and that includes boats. Have a designated driver or take a taxi! Especially around July 4th and other holidays, you may encounter roadblocks set up just for the purpose of catching impaired drivers who are endangering themselves and others on the highway. An Uber is a lot cheaper than a DUI.
- If you're boating, be sure there is a life preserver for every person on board.
- Keep your eyes on your children (as opposed to your cellphone) at all times, especially near the water. It only takes seconds for a tragedy to happen. More than 4000 children drown annually, most completely preventable. Even infants can learn how to float and swim. Teach them.
- NEVER leave children or pets unattended in hot cars. On average, about 40 children die each year from heatstroke after being left in a hot car. 54% are under two years old. If you see a child or pet unattended in a hot car, call the police immediately.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
- Use sun protection. Infants and children especially need protection against sunburn, which can happen very quickly.
- Do not allow children to handle fireworks or stand close to them while they are being ignited.
- Watch out for more bicyclists and motorcycles on the road.
- If you're camping or hiking, be diligent and aware of the type of wildlife you may encounter and never approach them deliberately. Bears are attracted to the smell of food, so don't leave it in or around your tent. Watch out for snakes. If you're in a national park with bison, do NOT approach them. Stay at least 50 yards away. People are injured or killed every year in Yellowstone for being ignorant enough to approach these majestic animals. Leave them alone! NEVER offer food to a wild animal. Summer is mating season for many wild animals, and they are more likely to attack to protect their young.
- Keep dogs on a leash if you are hiking with your furry friends.
- Stay off of waterfalls, especially at the top of the falls. The water at the top may be very shallow, but it is also SLICK. When you slip and fall, you may be seriously or fatally injured. Then the first responders are put in danger trying to retrieve you.
- Mosquitoes can cause serious illnesses such as Ziki virus and West Nile virus. Use a protectant when enjoying the great outdoors.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer. Our office will be closed on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day.
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