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Staying Safe in the Good Ol' Summertime
Written by
Brian Wachur
, Special to Redcross.org
Wednesday, June 01, 2005 — Although summer doesn’t officially begin until the 21st of June, it is never too early to be thinking about summer safety.
Summer can mean cookouts, picnics and relaxing in the sun. But, before any backyard shindigs kick off, take time to review a few easy-to-remember safety tips. Following these basic precautions ensures that the biggest problem you’ll have to deal with this summer is an overcast afternoon or a burnt burger.
GRILLING OUT
Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. When it comes to grilling, it’s imperative to keep safety in mind. It’s not hard, just use some common sense and this set of grilling safety tips, courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Gas Grill Tips
- Make sure tubes and seals are free of leaks or cracks. After sitting all winter, hoses that run from the gas tank to the grill can get brittle and crack creating a serious hazard.
- Clean the tubes that run from the gas tank into the burner. These tubes may get clogged with bugs or grease. It’s easy to use a pipe cleaner to clear out any blockages.
- Keep gas hoses as far away from hot surfaces as you can. This will prevent melting or leaks. If the hoses can’t be moved to a safe area, use a heat shield to prevent damage.
- Keep your nose open. The smell of gas could indicate there is a leak. You should immediately turn off your grill and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to check for leaks. Do not attempt to relight the grill until you’re sure there’s no risk.
- Keep open flames away from a leaking grill. This includes matches and lit cigarettes.
- Do not grill indoors. When you are grilling, make sure the grill is at lease 10 feet away from your house or any other building. Also, do not grill inside a covered porch, garage or under any flammable surface.
- Do not attempt any tank repairs on your own. If a gas tank is leaking, return it to the place of purchase to be repaired or replaced.
Charcoal Grill Tips
- Never burn charcoal indoors. Not in a camper, a tent or even a garage with lots of ventilation. Burning charcoal gives off carbon monoxide. Even with plenty of ventilation, the gas can accumulate to toxic levels – so keep the grill completely outdoors.
- Coals continue to emit carbon monoxide until they are completely extinguished, which can take hours. Do not bring the coals indoors unless you’re sure that the coals have stopped burning entirely.
FUN IN THE SUN
It’s tough to beat the feeling of sand under your feet and the smell of salt water in the air, but a day at the beach can quickly turn sour once sunburn sets in. While it can easily put a damper on a vacation, it’s not just uncomfortable -- sunburn can have serious long-term effects. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate the skin causing wrinkles, blotches and sagging. What’s more, sunburn drastically increases the risk of skin cancer. But, it doesn’t have to be that way, if you take the proper precautions.
- Use sunscreen with a rating of at least SPF-15. Make sure to apply it to all areas of your body. For best absorption, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
- Try not to spend too much time under the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours or so. If you go swimming, put some more on as soon as you get out of the water.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while you’re under the sun. Heat stroke can happen unexpectedly if you’re not properly hydrated. Also, avoid drinking alcohol if you’re going to be out in the sun.
- And one more thing…just because the sky is overcast, don’t think you can skip the SPF. The sun doesn’t need to be shining bright to deliver damaging rays your way.
EVERYDAY EMERGENCIES
Take a few minutes during the lazy, crazy days of summer to be sure that you’re prepared for the everyday emergencies that can happen any time of the year.
The American Red Cross has a plethora of safety products available through its online store to help you prepare for and respond to emergencies from cuts and scrapes to summer storms. The all-in-one Family First Aid Kit was rated the best of its kind by Good Housekeeping Institute. The kit includes everything from bandages to blankets and aspirin to antiseptic ointment. The store also sells easy-to-use items including guide books and emergency preparedness kits.
This summer use care and common sense -- whether you’re manning the grill or soaking up the sun. Being safe doesn’t take a lot of work, and it could save a life.
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