Summer Safety Tips : Acadian Ambulance

Summer Safety Tips

This is the time of year when children and teenagers get restless and spring fever sets in. They begin counting the remaining days of school and the beginning of their summer vacation. What they do not realize is that the summer months can include dangerous situations if they are not prepared and alert. Fatalities, accidents and injuries occur more frequently in the summer months than at any other time of the year.

The warmer weather entices more people outside to engage in various activities, like swimming, boating, skating, and biking. While all of these activities may seem harmless, in reality they can kill if precautions are not taken. More than 90,000 people died in 1997 of unintentional injuries. Being safe means being prepared.

Whether outside or in your home, it pays to be prepared. Before the summer activities begin, take a little time to go over the rules of safety:

Biking and in-line skating are popular warm weather activities. Never go without a helmet or wrist guards. Spring into a safe summer by wearing safety equipment and knowing the rules of the road.
Never swim alone. Never dive into shallow water. Be prepared for the unexpected by enrolling everyone in the family in a CPR and basic First-Aid course.
Boating and alcohol don't mix. The rules of the road should apply to the water. Never go boating alone and always wear a life jacket. Make sure your safety kit on board includes a flashlight.
Being unprepared for an emergency can waste precious time. While you are doing your spring cleaning, check your smoke detector batteries, update your first aid kit and keep it easily accessible. Remember that preparing for an emergency can save more than just time; it can save a life!
Ready for that summer vacation? A medical emergency can happen while you're traveling, so visit your doctor before leaving. Be sure to bring any medications you may need. Bring a First Aid travel kit with basic supplies such as Band-Aids, pain relievers, a thermometer, nausea medicine, etc. Make sure everyone knows where it is kept. Also, when you arrive at your destination, find out where the nearest medical clinic or hospital is located. Being prepared can alleviate much of the stress associated with a minor illness or emergency.
In a medical emergency, seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Prepare your family for an emergency. Keep emergency phone numbers for police, fire and EMS posted by each phone in your home. Learn to recognize a medical emergency and know when to call for help. Keep your family's medical records handy and up-to-date. Preparing for an emergency can save more than just time. It can save a life.
You're driving down the road and you hear a siren. You don't know where it is coming from. What should you do? If you see or hear an ambulance, police car, fire truck, or EMS vehicle while driving, pull to the right, parallel to the road and remain clear of any intersection until the vehicle passes, or you are otherwise directed by police. Use caution when reentering traffic. Most severe accidents involving rescue vehicles occur at intersections. In most states, pulling to the right is the law. Remember, be alert at all times and pull to the right for rescue vehicles.
Proms, graduations and holidays. Life's celebrations often involve alcohol and can end in tragedy when mixed with driving. Drunk drivers each year kill more than 25,000 people. You can enjoy special celebrations by designating a driver, wearing your seat belt, and never letting a friend drive while intoxicated. Don't let alcohol put the brakes on life's special moments. Never drink and drive!
The dangers of cooking fires. Did you know that cooking fires account for about one in every five home fires? Whether you're stirring up a quick dinner or creating a gourmet four-course meal, be sure to keep an eye on your cooking. Stay in the kitchen, wear short or close-fitting sleeves, clean cooking surfaces, keep curtains, towels and pot holders clear of flames and hot surfaces, store solvents and cleaners always from heat sources, and turn pan handles inward.