Play it Safe
National Safety Month is celebrated in June. Play it safe, and beware of Summer Hazards such as:
- Outdoor Grilling – A grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. Grills can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Check gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. Have the grill serviced by a professional before using again.
- Water-Related Injuries – It’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water, when at the lake, pool, or beach.
- Lightening – No place outside is safe when a thunderstorm is in the area. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to pose an immediate threat.
- Ticks and Chiggers – Ticks live in tall grasses and weeds, wooded areas, and leaf litter. Ticks can’t jump or fly, so they just wait for an animal to brush up against whatever they’re perched on. Also known as red bugs and harvest mites, chiggers are so small that they’re hard to see with the naked eye. Chiggers are found in moist, grassy areas like lawns, fields, and forests. Chigger bites produce itchy, red bumps on the skin.
- Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac – When your skin touches poison ivy, oak, or sumac, you develop an itchy rash. The rash is an allergic reaction to urushiol, a plant oil. To avoid an itchy rash, scrub exposed skin with Dawn Dishwashing Soap.
- Flip-Flop Injuries – Flip-flops should only be worn for short-term use, like at the beach, around swimming pools, or in showers and locker rooms at the fitness center.
- Lawn Mower Injuries – To avoid lawn mower injuries be sure to maintain your lawn mower, operate your lawn mower properly, use caution when operating your lawn mower, and consider the terrain.
- Food-Borne Illnesses – Food poisoning is common, costly, and preventable. You can get food poisoning after swallowing food that has been contaminated with a variety of germs or toxic substances. To avoid food poisoning clean, separate, cook, and chill foods as recommended.
Visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on health & safety.
Take Charge. Live Well