If you search for “summer safety articles” online, you’ll find a plethora of summer safety tips from various sources. While each article offers unique information, much of the advice tends to be repeated. This summer, make it a priority to stay safe.
Heat-Related Illnesses
According to the National Safety Council, our bodies are remarkable at regulating temperature through sweating, but extreme heat can overwhelm this system. In Arizona, the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate quickly, potentially leading to confusion, organ damage, or even death. Individuals most at risk include those who work or exercise in the heat, people over 65, those with certain medical conditions or medications, and individuals who are overweight. Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink water to stay hydrated.
Water Safety
Every day, an average of 11 people in the U.S. die from unintentional drowning, according to the CDC. While we often think of children in relation to drowning statistics, it's important to recognize that this can happen to anyone. Drowning can occur quickly and silently. To help prevent drownings, it’s crucial to prevent unsupervised access to water, ensure constant adult supervision, and promote swimming skills.
Summer Skin and Eye Safety
According to the American Cancer Society, about 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. To reduce your risk, apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher consistently. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid direct sunlight between the peak hours of 10 am and 2 pm.
Johns Hopkins Medicine advises wearing UV protection sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet light. Ensure your sunglasses provide 95-100% UV protection.
Pet Safety
The summer heat can be dangerous for family pets. Like us, animals can suffer from heat-related illnesses. Never leave your pets in a hot car, even for a few minutes, as temperatures can exceed 120˚F. Watch for signs of overheating, and if you cannot cool them down, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
Additionally, summer in the desert means being aware of wildlife. Watch for scorpions, snakes, javelinas, and other wild animals. While they may appear harmless, keep your distance to avoid injury or illness.
Grilling Safety
While Green Valley may have some charming young firefighters, a grilling mishap is not the way to meet them. When grilling this summer, always supervise your grill while in use, never grill indoors or near any structure, and use long-handled tools to prevent injuries.
This summer, take precautions, stay wise, and prioritize your safety.