Summer comes with fun, but it also comes with summer time hazards. As the warmer weather settles in for an extended stay, make sure you take the proper precautions to minimize the risk of summer injury or heat related illness.
Be Alert for the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion symptoms include rapid breathing, heavy sweating anf a fast, weak pulse. Heat exhaustion can be a precursor of heatstroke, a much more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Make sure to remain vigilant and monitor those around you, especially the very young and very old, for signs of heat exhaustion. If any of the symtoms arise, be sure to remove the individual to a shaded or cool place and offer plenty of water to drink until symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, be sure to seek medical attention.
Treat Sunburns Correctly
While sunburns can be easily prevented with the conscientious application of sunscreen, accidents do sometimes happen. Sever sunburns are often identified by redness, headache, fever and/or chills. In the case of a severe sunburn, be sure to apply aloe vera lotion or gel often. Do not bother blisters that may appear, these can be easily infected if popped, creating a serious situation. Blisters will naturally come and go as the sunburn heals. Do not apply home remedies, such as butter ect, to sunburns. These types of applications can complicate and infect serious sunburns.
Take Precautions in the Backyard
The backyard is traditionally a place that gets quite a bit more use in the summer than any other time of the year! It also means that backyard beautification takes place regularly. From the appearance of barbeques and lawn mowers to fertilizer, rakes and other garden tools the summertime backyard can be a potentially hazardous place, especially for young children. Take care to ensure that all gardening and landscape supplies, barbeque grills and accessories properly. Any one of these seemingly harmless items can make for a potentially serious emgergency.
Practice Extreme Water Safety
We all know that children should never be left unattended around water, even for a minute. Sometimes however, we underestimate the precocity of children. Pool areas that may seem otherwise secure, can sometimes be foiled by curious children. Aside from adhering to your regions specific rules and regulations regarding pool fencing and enclosures, adding extra protection and/or surveillance to your pool area is never a poor idea. Monitoring windows and doors that face the pool area with sensors that will alert you when opened, and installing alarm sensors around the immediate pool area can potentially save lives! If a child is missing and you have a pool - always check the pool area first regardless of how unlucky it may seem that the child entered the area.
