Summer is a time for festivities, celebration and recreation. Before you dive into summer activities, be sure to keep safety top of mind. Whether you are planning a backyard bash or a weekend adventure in nature, this guide will provide essential tips to ensure a fun and healthy summer season.
Fireworks and July Fourth
Fireworks are often used as symbols of celebration, especially around the July Fourth holiday season. Attending a professional firework show is a perfectly safe way to celebrate, however consumer use causes thousands of injuries and over 19,500 fires each year. If you do choose to set off your own fireworks legally, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Location is key to firework safety. Find a clear, open area far away from other people, buildings or flammable materials.
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Only use one firework at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never re-light or re-ignite a firework that failed to go off the first time.
- Never let young children handle fireworks and ensure they watch the show from a safe distance.
- Follow the safety directions on the packaging. Some fireworks are inherently more powerful and dangerous than others, and each one should have specific handling instructions.
- Soak used and unused fireworks in water before discarding. Do not discard indoors.
- In the case that something does go wrong, keep a water bucket or fire extinguisher nearby.
Water Sports
Each year, people turn to activities such as swimming and boating to cool down during the summer months, but precautions must be taken to ensure safety while participating in these activities. Drowning is the leading cause of fatality associated with recreational aquatic activities and a leading cause of death among children ages 1-4, but there are precautions that can be taken to prevent incidents from occurring.
When swimming:
- Never get in the water while impaired by drugs or alcohol. It is estimated that alcohol plays a role in about 30-70% of adult drowning fatalities.
- Pay attention before jumping or diving in as the floor may be closer than anticipated and there may be unseen objects below the surface.
- Never swim alone, and make sure there is always a strong swimmer in your group.
- Don’t overestimate your ability. Swim only where you feel comfortable and do not try to keep up with more advanced swimmers.
- Be especially careful while swimming with or around children. Never leave a child unsupervised around open water.
When boating:
- Never operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.
- Always wear a life jacket. Almost 90% of those drowned in a fatal boating accident were not wearing a life preserver.
- Take a boating safety course. 75% of fatalities occur with boat operators who have not received formal boating safety instruction.
Hiking, Camping and Grilling
There are plenty of summer activities to enjoy on dry land, too, such as hiking, camping or grilling. While these may not pose as many obvious risks, there are still some things to keep in mind. It is important to do research on trails and campsites and always pack more than you think you might need for your trip, including the appropriate footwear. Be aware of bugs and wildlife you may encounter along the way. Staying hydrated on these trips is also essential, especially in the midst of the summer heat. If you plan to be grilling on your adventure, never leave your grill unattended and make sure to set up well away from your site, overhanging tree branches or any infrastructure. Also, remember to thoroughly clean your grill on and below the surface. 16% of fires started by grills occur in July, and 20% of grill fires involve an uncleaned grill.
Outdoor Sporting Events
Attending sporting events, particularly baseball games, is yet another activity people partake in during the summer. A few things to keep in mind while attending a crowded event space include recognizing emergency exits and evacuation routes, creating a meeting point for your group and keeping your wallet and phone secure to minimize risk of property theft or loss.
Reach Out to an Advisor
Reach out to a SISCO advisor to learn more about how to stay safe while making the most of outdoor activities this summer.