Enjoying the season without mishaps
Barbecues, pool parties, trips to the park and long evenings in the backyard promise a summer full of fun, but such iconic activities can hide unpleasant hazards. To ensure a season free from accidents, practice these smart safety tips.
Fight Back Against Bugs
Ticks and mosquitoes may carry diseases, and bees and wasps can leave behind painful stings. Remove debris piles and stagnant water from your yard to discourage insects. Wear long clothing when hiking in wooded areas, and use a bug repellent that contains DEET to minimize the risk of ticks.
Don’t Play With Fire(works)
Fireworks can be unpredictable and dangerous in untrained hands. If you’re determined to enjoy fireworks at home, avoid aerial devices and never allow children to play with fireworks. If you want to get a big bang out of your favorite summer holidays, it’s best to attend a professional display and watch from a distance.
Prevent Playground Problems
Before letting your kids loose at the local playground, inspect equipment to ensure it’s in working order. Test the temperature of metal and rubber parts, and never let kids play without supervision. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn at all times.
Swim Safe
When visiting local swimming spots, observe all posted rules. Enroll your kids in swimming lessons so that they’re comfortable in the water. Pools should be fenced in, and there should always be at least one adult appointed to watch over the swimmers.
Cook with Care
To prepare for your first barbecue of the season, clean the grill well and make sure that all the parts are in working order. Move it at least ten feet away from the house, and grab a spray bottle of water to douse errant flames. Never leave the grill unsupervised while it’s in use.
Quick First Aid Tips
Minor summer mishaps can be treated right at home:
• Insect stings: remove the stinger out with a fingernail or the edge of a credit card and cover the area with a paste of baking soda and water.
• Bug bites: Apply over-the-counter sprays, tea tree oil or calamine lotion to ease itching.
• Minor Dehydration: Rest in a cool place and administer fluids.
• Cuts and scrapes: Clean the wound with soap and water and cover with a bandage.
• Burns: Run the area under cool water.
If you’re dealing with a summer injury that needs more than home treatment, visit Prime Urgent Care. Our Pearland, TX clinic is equipped to handle common seasonal problems, including dehydration, sprains or strains, fractures and lacerations. Urgent care is quicker than an emergency room visit, so you’ll be ready to get back to summer fun as soon as possible.
