Summer is here! That means fireworks, grilling, and lake time. While these summer staples are all great fun they come with the potential for hazards. Here are a few tips from the American Red Cross and our team to ensure you have a fun and safe summer.
Fireworks
Everyone has a “that could have been bad” fireworks story. Let’s avoid those kinds of stories with some simple firework safety tips:
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Never point fireworks towards people, animals, or buildings
- Always store them in dry, dark locations out of the reach of children and animals
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Respect firework laws in your area
Grilling
Nothing beats corn on the cob and a fresh burger off the grill. Being grill smart will ensure that your family barbeque stays memorable for the right reasons:
- Never grill inside a garage or house or on a balcony
- Always have someone keeping an eye on the grill
- Don’t add lighter fluid to grill if coals have already been lit
- Keep children and animals away from grill at all times
- Make sure grill is not too close to buildings or trees
- Use grill tools that have extra long handles
- Clean grill to avoid fires
- Keep grill shut while using
Swimming
During the summer months, a lake or pool is a great reprieve from the heat. Avoid swimming mishaps by following these pointers:
- Never swim alone
- Have younger swimmers wear life jackets
- Always supervise children around water
- Check water before jumping off any surface
- Swim in areas with lifeguards
- Take a CPR class
- Know the signs of drowning
- Person will be silent
- Head will most likely be back
- Arms will be reaching across the surface of the water
- Eyes closed or glossy
- Gasping
- Hair flung over eyes or face
- Dump out kiddie pools or cover pools when you’re done using them
Sun
Vitamin D is a huge perk of the summer sun. While you want a few rays, you don’t want too many. Keep you and your loved ones sun safe with these tips:
- Always pack sunscreen
- Put on sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside
- Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day
- Avoid being outside during the midday when the sun is the strongest
- Wear a hat and sunglasses and SPF shirts to limit face exposure
- Keep hydrated and always bring a water bottle with you
Boating
There’s nothing like a cool breeze whipping past as you speed across your favorite Minnesota lake. Here are some boating safety tips to keep in mind:
- Never drink and drive a boat
- Always wear a life jacket
- Avoid propeller area
- Be aware of the weather
- Store paddles on board in case you have an engine malfunction
- Keep plenty of snacks and water on board
- Bring charged cell phone
- Respect boating rules
- Have proper lights installed and use them at night
Did we miss anything? Let us know! We hope by following these tips, you and your family/friends have a safe and fun-filled time! If you need anything, your Fairview Range team is always here to help. Our Emergency Department in Hibbing is open 24/7 and our Urgent Care, located adjacent to the Emergency Department, is open every day 9 a.m.-10 p.m., including weekends and holidays.