Summer Safety Tips - Alex Moss, PA-C

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Sun Safety

The best line of defense against harmful sun exposure is covering up
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during 10a.m.-4 p.m.
On sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Remember that just a few sunburns can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer later in life.
Take a water break every twenty minutes while being active in the heat.
Wear loose, light-weight, light-colored clothing.

Water Safety

Never swim alone. Never leave children alone, even for a moment when swimming.
For younger children, use “touch-supervision.” Never be more than an arm’s length away from a small child who is near the water.
When boating, always wear a properly fitted life vest. Blow-up toys or devices should not be substituted for a life vest.
Teach kids to swim. Formal swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning.

Bicycle Safety

To guard against serious injury, a helmet should always be worn, no matter how short the bike ride. Many serious injuries have occurred in the driveway or sidewalk adjacent to the person’s home.
Helmets should be fitted properly, not too large or small. The strap should be fastened so that two fingers can fit between the chin and the strap.
A bicycle should be the right size. Oversize bicycles are especially dangerous.

All-Terrain Vehicles

Children who are too young to have a driver’s license should not be allowed to operate off-road vehicles. Children are involved in about 30 percent of all ATV-related deaths and emergency room treatments.
Because their nervous systems and judgment have not fully developed, off-road vehicles are especially dangerous for children younger than 16 years.
Never ride double. Most ATV’s are designed to carry only one passenger.
All riders should wear helmets, eye protection and sturdy shoes.

Lawn-mower Safety

Only use a lawn mower with a control that stops the mower blade from moving if the handle is let go.
Wear sturdy shoes when mowing.
Pick up objects from the lawn before mowing to prevent injury from flying objects. It is best to wear eye-protection when mowing.
Never attempt to remove clumped grass while the mower is on.
Never allow children to drive a riding lawn mower.

Bug Safety

Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water.
To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently back it out by scraping it with a credit card.
Use insect repellents containing DEET when needed to prevent insect-related diseases.
The current CDC recommendation for children older than 2 months of age is to use 10% to 30% DEET. (The higher the concentration, the longer the duration of protection.) DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months of age.
Always check for ticks at the end of the day when you have been in the woods. Check pets for ticks as well.

Campfire Safety

Adults, not children, should start campfires.
Children need to be supervised when using sticks, especially metal sticks, when roasting hot dogs or marshmallows. A hot stick placed in the mouth can cause serious burns.
Never leave a child unattended around a campfire.
A fire should never be left unattended.
Put out fires with water and/or by shoveling dirt on and around the fire.

Outdoor Safety

Never drink water from an outdoor stream unless an adult says it is safe to drink. Even water that looks crystal-clear can be contaminated. Bottled water is best.
Never eat wild berries. Some are poisonous and it can be difficult to know which are safe. Take your own snacks when you are hiking or camping.
Wearing layers of clothing is a good idea. That way, you can take off some layers if you get too hot, but you will also have enough if the weather turns cold.
Stick with a group when hiking. Carry along a whistle and use it if you get separated or lost. If you do get lost, wait in a safe area and stay there until you are found.

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