Summer is all about spending time in the sun, being on the water and seeing friends and family. From celebrating on the 4th of July to Friday night barbecues, there’s no shortage of good times. However, along with the games and relaxation, safety can sometimes be overlooked. It is important to always be aware of the risk that comes along with long days in the sun, boat rides and fireworks. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to make sure your summer is smooth sailing.
Boat Safety
While spending the day swimming, cruising and tubing on a boat is blast, it can go south quickly if the right safety measures are not being followed. There are many to preparations to be aware of before setting off for the day and rules to follow while you are out in the water, including:
- Always wear the correct size life jackets & have enough for every person in attendance (even if he/she knows how to swim)
- Make sure you have everything you need on your boat, especially water, food and a first aid kit
- Do not drink & drive a boat
- Know your limits & use common sense in decisions, specifically in regards to weather & dangerous currents
- When tubing, water-skiing, etc. always have a spotter & use common hand signals
Following these guidelines is extremely important for the safety & wellbeing of everyone involved in your boating day. In 2019, the Coast Guard counted 4,168 accidents that involved 613 deaths, 2,559 injuries and approximately $55 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Staying alert, using common sense and following standard boating/water safety rules will be the key to a perfect, easy-going day on the water.
Firework Safety
With the 4th of July quickly approaching, it’s important to follow recommended guidelines when using fireworks of any kind.
While no 4th of July celebration is complete without fireworks, it is important to follow all safety guidelines when using them. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2018, there were 9,100 firework-related injuries treated in hospitals all across the United States. To avoid the summer celebration ending with an Emergency Room trip, follow these guidelines from the CPSC:
- Never allow young children to directly play with or ignite the fireworks
- Always have adults supervise firework activities, including the use of sparklers
- Never hover over a firework when lighting
- Always back up to a safe distance (approximately 30ft) after lighting
- Never try to re-light or pickup fireworks that did not fully ignite
- Never point or throw at another person
- Keep a bucket of water available in case of fire
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them off in a container
- Douse the used fireworks in water before throwing away to prevent a trash fire
- Only use legal fireworks
Summer Activities With Covid-19
In addition to boating and firework safety, it is important to remember that COVID-19 is still a threat. Throughout days at the lake, summer barbecues and 4th of July celebrations, please continue to social distance and wear a mask whenever possible. If you start showing symptoms including but not limited to a fever, dry cough and shortness of breath, call your doctor and do not venture out into the community until further instruction.
Townsen Memorial Hospital Is Here For You
At Townsen Memorial Hospital in Humble, TX, our medical staff is trained to care for and treat any injuries, including those from boating and firework accidents. You can find us off of 59N and FM 1960 at the corner of 1960 & Townsen Rd. for 24/7 emergency care. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.
Summer temperatures are heating up, and while most enjoy the days at the beach and spending time in the great outdoors, the sun can actually be dangerous if you aren’t prepared. According to the CDC, heat stroke is responsible for the death of over 600 Americans each year. Fortunately, there are warning signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke that you can look out for.
Who’s Most At Risk?
While spending time outdoors in hotter weather, those most at risk for a heat-related illness are the following:
- Infants and children under age 10
- People 65 and older
- People who are overweight
- People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications
It’s also important to note that people and animals left in a hot car can become sick in a matter of minutes. Never leave a loved one or pet in a hot car, even if you’re just going inside for one thing.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Exhaustion occurs when your body loses too much water and salt through sweating. This can cause a variety of symptoms that you should know to look out for, including:
- Sweating
- Pale, ashen or moist skin
- Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)
- Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion
- Headache, dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
If you’re with someone who is experiencing some of these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly. Heat Exhaustion can cause a stroke or even death. Move them to a shaded or cool area, give them water or other cool (non-alcoholic) drinks, and provide them wet towels to apply to their face, or even better, have them take a cool shower.
Heat Stroke
The symptoms of this deadly illness include:
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped
- Rapid breathing
- Headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status
- Irrational or belligerent behavior
- Convulsions or unresponsiveness
If a loved one is experiencing Heat Stroke, it can be scary. However, it is important to remain calm and get them medical help as soon as possible. Immediately call 911, move them to a cool place and remove any of their unnecessary clothing. Try to cool the victim by placing them in cool water, such as a shower, or covering them in cool towels. Monitor their health and breathing until their temperature is at or below 101 degrees. Be prepared to give them CPR if needed.
It is important to NOT do the following things when treating someone who is having a Heat Stroke:
- DO NOT force the victim to drink liquids
- DO NOT apply rubbing alcohol to the skin
- DO NOT allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets
How To Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses
The best ways to avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke include staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and using the air conditioning in your home to cool off.
Wearing loose clothing and a hat can also protect you from the sun’s harsh summer rays. You should also avoid spending a lot of time outside during the hottest part of the day, which is from 11 am to 3 pm. If you’re sweating a lot, replace your salt loss with a sports drink or fruit juice. Finally, wear sunscreen because a sunburn can affect the way your body cools itself.
Townsen Memorial Hospital Is Here For You
At Townsen Memorial Hospital in Humble, TX, our medical staff is experienced in treating heat-borne illnesses. We’re conveniently located off of 59N and FM 1960 at the corner of 1960 & Townsen Rd. to ensure you can arrive safely and quickly should you need medical attention. With a 24/7 emergency room and a hospital staff trained in all specialties, we’re here for you when you need us. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.
