Summer means warm weather and fun outdoors. Americans love to get active with camping trips, biking, sports, etc. Of course, with increased activities comes increased risk. In 2022, over one million children visited the ER due to summertime injuries from swimming, bicycling, trampolines, and playground equipment. There were even a few frisbee incidents! Adults rack up even more injuries in interesting summer ways, like opening ice cream with a knife or dropping hot logs while building a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This summer, prevent injuries and visits to the ER with these smart summer safety tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) Know Your Swimming Area<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Never jump into a body of water you are unfamiliar with. Swim in approved swimming areas, look up recent water testing, and wear water shoes. Check out where the bottom drops out before you swim out or let children play in the shallows. Learn the murkiness and how it increases when the silt or sand is kicked up. And, of course, always swim with a buddy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2) Check the Weather Before Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Look up the day’s weather before deciding what to do. Don’t swim when there’s lightning, and put off your bicycle, motorcycle, or motorsports trip if it looks like rain. On especially sunny days, bring extra water and plan to camp out near the shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3) Learn the Signs of Heat Stroke<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat stroke can happen to anyone, especially if you’re having a good time in the sun. Know the signs of heat stroke and if anyone displays them (including yourself), get the person sipping cool water in the shade immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 High body temp<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Red, hot, dry, or damp skin<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Fast, strong pulse<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Headache<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Dizziness<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Nausea<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Confusion<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Passing out<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4) Drink Plenty of Water<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Drink water. Summer causes dehydration without you realizing it because sweat quickly evaporates from your body in the sun. Try to drink one whole water bottle for every hour or two that you are active outdoors, and help your friends do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5) Sunscreen & Bug Spray<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep your skin safe with sunscreen and ward off biting insects with bug spray. Sunscreen can prevent burning and reduce the risk of skin cancer in your later years. Bug spray is especially important when in damp and green spaces or near standing water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6) Drive Carefully Around Pedestrians<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be tempting to drive fast on sunny summer roads (or clear summer nights), but watch out. Don’t lose control of your vehicle and keep an eye out for summer pedestrians enjoying a warm weather stroll, as well as any children playing nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7) Dress for Safety and Comfort<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dress for your activity. Wear heavy protection if you’re driving a motorcycle or doing motorsports. Wear gauzy over-shirts and cover-ups if you’re on the beach. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and good shoes for summer hiking and outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8) Know First Aid & Keep a Stocked Kit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you know the basics of first aid and keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand, just in case. You can prevent infections and keep the fun rolling after a scrape with the right preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9) Respect Wild Animals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you see a wild animal while playing or riding outdoors, give it a respectful distance. Not all animals are safe, but most will leave you alone if you leave them alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10) Watch Out for Others<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of all, watch out for yourself and others. Help your friends and family follow summer safety rules, be aware of strangers nearby, offer help when it is needed, and look out for your own safety as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid Summer Emergencies with Smart Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2022, 83% of Americans participated in outdoor activities. Be sure that when you and your family go out for your next big adventure, you’re ready for whatever comes your way. Keep yourself protected with peace of mind, knowing that your Northeast Nebraska Insurance policy and agent have got your back this summer and any season. Contact us today to learn more about policies to protect your summer fun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summer means warm weather and fun outdoors. Americans love to get active with camping trips, biking, sports, etc. Of course, with increased activities comes increased risk. In 2022, over one million children visited the ER due to summertime injuries from swimming, bicycling, trampolines, and playground equipment. There were even a few frisbee incidents! Adults rack […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1509,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1508","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n