The summer months are a wonderful time of year to gather and enjoy the warm weather and the great outdoors; but with the pleasures of summertime also come the dangers.
Swimming pools, BBQ’s, bicycles, camp fires, and fireworks are just a select few of the hidden dangers summer can bring.
Swimming pools are an obvious danger as drownings occur every year throughout the country and safety must be #1 when around water. Parents, please provide proper supervision when children are in and around a pool.
Bicycles are fun to ride and provide great exercise, but spills and accidents will injury many this summer. Helmets are suggested to everyone but for children 14 and under a helmet is a MUST.
New York State Law requires everyone up to the age of 14 to ride with proper head protection. Here’s a link for suggestions and proper wearing techniques.
(Information below provided by the U.S. Fire Administration)
Fireworks Safety
The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home – period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.
If you ultimately decide to engage in this very dangerous activity, make sure fireworks are legal in your area and follow these safety tips:
Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
- Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
- Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
- Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a devise does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
- Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a devise is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.
- Supervise children around fireworks at all times.
Barbecue Safety
- Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes – where the air and gas mix – are not blocked.
- Do not overfill the propane tank.
- Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
- Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
- Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
- Dispose of hot coals properly – douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
- Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas – carbon monoxide could be produced.
- Make sure everyone knows to STOP, DROP and ROLL in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.
Campfire Safety
- Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
- Keep campfires small, and don’t let them get out of hand.
- Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you’re done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
- Never leave campfires unattended.
