Take our summer safety quiz at
.
Your
guideto
summer
safety
A
from
Clear skies
,
cool water and
fresh-squeezed lemonade—these are
images of summer at its best.
Unfortunately, they’re not all the
season has to offer. Summer also
presents many hazards, making
this a good time for a quick safety
review.
void alcohol.
It doesn’t
mix with driving, boating or
swimming.
B
ees.
To help keep bees away,
don’t wear bright-colored cloth-
ing and don’t use perfume or scented
soaps. Cover food at outdoor events.
C
amping.
Give someone your
itinerary, and think carefully
about the equipment,
supplies and skills
you’ll need for your
trip.
D
ehydration.
It’s a particular
concern for ac-
tive kids. Make
sure they drink
between 5 and
9 ounces (about
10 to 20 gulps) of
fluid every 20 minutes
during vigorous activity.
E
pinephrine.
If you’re severely
allergic to insects that sting,
carrying a device that allows you to
inject yourself with this rescue medi-
cation could save your life.
F
oodborne illness.
Harmful
bacteria can quickly multiply on
food in summer’s heat. At picnics,
keep foods you’d normally refrigerate
on plenty of ice.
G
rilling.
Barbecue meat to an
appropriate minimum internal
temperature to kill bacteria (steak to
145 degrees; hamburger, 160 degrees;
and chicken, 165 degrees).
H
eat illness.
For prevention,
dress in lightweight clothes
and do strenuous activities when
it’s coolest (early morning and after
sunset). Seek out air conditioning
when you can.
I
tchy skin.
It’s a problem that
can affect swimmers in parasite-
infested waters. Known as swimmer’s
itch, it usually can be treated with
corticosteroid cream, cool com-
presses or anti-itch lotions.
J
ust minutes.
That’s the time it
can take for heatstroke to develop
in a child left in a car on a sunny day.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle.
K
eep your distance.
That’s
how you should think of light-
ning. When you see it, note how long
it takes to hear thunder. If it’s 30 sec-
onds or less, seek shelter immediately.
4
q
connections
