Summer is up and running! A season for vacations and relaxing by the water under the sun. At Blue Hills, we want to make sure you and your family and ready and prepared for the summer season.
Beat the Heat:
Infants and young children, elderly people, pets, and people who work outdoors are most at risk for several heat-related illnesses. These include heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Click here to learn the difference and how to treat each one.
Make sure to stay hydrated when outside. And don't forget your friend, sunscreen!
Bug Safety:
It's mosquito season. Make sure to protect you and your family from mosquitoes this summer with these tips:
Use EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET. Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants
Read product labels when using insect repellent and apply as directed
Do not leave doors or windows propped open
Once a week, scrub or empty planters, birdbaths, vases and flowerpot saucers; mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water
Use EPA-approved indoor and outdoor flying insect spray or foggers
Turn on air conditioning; mosquitoes prefer warm, damp and dark spaces
Fireworks:
It's best to leave the firework display to the experts. While there are some fireworks that are legal for consumers to purchase and use, please be extremely careful when using them.
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Never allow young children to handle fireworks
Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
Never light them indoors
Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
Never ignite devices in a container
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
Click here for more tips.
Water Safety:
Going to the pool or to the beach on a hot summer day is a great way to keep cool and have fun. Make sure your family is prepared when going into the water. Drowning is a common occurrence in pools, beaches, and even in residential homes.
Never leave your child alone; if you have to leave, take your child with you
Find age-appropriate swim lessons for your child, but keep in mind that lessons do not make your child "drown-proof"
Lifeguards aren't babysitters; always keep your eyes on your child
Don't let children play around drains and suction fittings
Never consume alcohol when operating a boat, and always make sure everyone is wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
Don't underestimate the power of water; even rivers and lakes can have undertows
Always have a first aid kit and emergency contacts handy
Get training in CPR
If a child is missing, check the water first
Click here and here for more information.
We hope you and your family have a great summer! Click here for more safety tips.
Sources:
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer
https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/stay-sun-safe-this-summer.html
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety