Red Cross Shares 15 Safety Tips for A Fun Summer

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

Swimming With A Buddy Is Always More Fun!

Whether outside in the sun, at the pool, or behind a grill, here's how to help stay safe all summer long.

The American Red Cross offers these easy tips to keep in mind as the summer rolls along.

HEAT SAFETY

1. Stay hydrated, keep drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid an abundance of alcohol and caffeine.

2. Wear loose fitting, light colored and lightweight clothing. Dark colors attract the sun's rays.

3. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Stay cool inside.

4. Use the buddy system when working in excessive heat. Check on each other. Keep drinking fluids and take breaks.

5. Always check on neighbors, family and friends, especially those that live alone or do not have air conditioning. Check on their pets, too.

WATER SAFETY

6. Be Water Smart, make sure everyone in the family learns to swim well.

7. Actively supervise children by staying within arm's reach of newer swimmers and young children. Don't get preoccupied on the phone or in a book.

8. Don't fool with a pool. Fence it in and be sure your children are at someone's house that has a fence around their pool. Don't be shy to ask. Is it self closing and self-latching?

9. Always when in a boat, wear your U.S. Coast guard-approved life jacket. Water wings and inflatable toys can be fun, but they are not a replacement for wearing a life jacket. Keep the adult supervision on high alert when boating.

10. Once again, use the buddy system, never swim alone even if you are in front of the lifeguard station at the beach or lake. This tip is for adults as well as children.

GRILLING SAFETY

11. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. DO NOT Add charcoal lighter fluid after coals have already been ignited.

12. Never grill indoors, in your home, camper, tent or any enclosed area.

13. Make sure everyone stays away from the grill, especially toddlers and pets.

14. Inspect where your grill is in relation to your house. Have the grill out in the open away from the house, the deck, tree branches, awnings, patio furniture - anything that could catch fire.

15. Use long-handled utensils especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

SERVPRO of West Chester is proud to be a partner with the Tri-County American Red Cross. For more useful tips go to redcross.org.

15