Car Safety

Summertime is a perfect time for road trips.  And since the kids are out of school, they may be going along more often when mom or dad runs errands.  Always take the time to properly restrain children in the appropriate safety seat.  One-half of children killed in car crashes were not restrained, and 4 out of 5 were not restrained correctly.  Never leave your child (or pet) in a car while you run an errand – even with the windows open.  A child dies every four hours of suffocation in a car during the summer months!  One third of these deaths occur when a child climbs into an unlocked parked car and becomes trapped.  So always lock your car, even when it’s parked in your own driveway.

Motorcycling

One of the fastest growing recreational activities for adults is motorcycling.  Motorcycles are harder to see than other vehicles.  So riding with extreme caution is vital to your safety.  Statistically per mile traveled, you are 26 times more likely to be fatally injured on a motorcycle than in a car.  If you do not wear a helmet, you are 40% more likely to suffer brain damage or die than cyclist who wear helmets.

Heat Stroke

With heatstroke, the body stops sweating.  There may be little warning, and unless the victim receives quick treatment, death can occur.  A heatstroke victim usually has red or spotted skin and a body temperature that reaches 105 degrees or higher.  The victim may also suffer from confusion, convulsions, or delirium before losing consciousness.

You should call an ambulance and move the victim to a cool place.  Then thoroughly soak the person’s clothing with cool water.

Heat Exhaustion

A victim of heat exhaustion sweats profusely, but becomes extremely weak or giddy.  In more serious cases, the victim may vomit or faint.  The skin becomes clammy and the complexion pale, but body temperature stays fairly normal. 

To treat a victim of heat exhaustion, have the person sip water for about an hour while lying down.  Loosen any clothing and raise the victim’s feet 8 to 12 inches.  Then apply cool, wet cloths and fan the victim.  If vomiting occurs, discontinue fluids and take the person to a hospital where an intravenous solution can be administered.

Boating

·        Don’t mix alcohol with boating. One half of all recreational boating incidents involve alcohol. 

·        Always wear your life jacket whenever you are in a boat.  Most drowning victims related to boating are people who can swim, while less than 5% of victims were wearing a life jacket.

·        Always use extreme caution when boating near other people and other boats.

Swimming

Swimming is a favorite summer activity for children and very high on the list for potential danger.  In the age group of 1 to 4, drowning is the leading cause of unintended injury-related death.  It ranks number 2 for children under 14 years of age.

Never leave children unattended for even a second at a swimming pool, lake, or other swimming hole.  Drowning happens very quickly and quietly.  Remember, approved floatation devices do not replace parental supervision.  And don’t forget to reapply sunscreen often while swimming.

Yard Work and PPE

Whenever you use electric or gas operated tools, be sure to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as eye protection and earplugs.  Wear gloves to protect your hands when pruning or working with soil.  And never leave sharp hand tools or power tools unattended.

Bicycling

Make sure your children never underestimate the potential danger of riding a bike.

·        Properly fitted helmets will reduce the risk of a head injury by 85% and reduce the risk of brain injuries by 88%.  Children and adults alike should always wear a helmet.

·        Don’t forget the sunscreen.

 Respectfully submitted, 

Your Health and Safety Reps 

Ron Reese, Dave Martin, and Ron Goos

Bill Conlen, Mike Mansfield, and Lamar Kox