June is National Safety Month and a great time to review your personal safety profile to find out how you can minimize the risk of accident or injury. Due to multiple factors, summer is a time of year when the risk of many common hazards increases.
Here are the top five seasonal health hazards you should be aware of and prepared for this summer:
- Water: Unintentional drowning is a leading cause of death for infants and children. According to the National Safety Council, deadly water accidents are more likely between the months of May and August, and they usually occur in the home pool of the child, or of a friend or neighbor. Outdoor recreation activities such as boating, rafting or even visiting a water park can present serious danger to both children and adults. Whether you're floating a river or taking a dip at the community pool, always use appropriate safety equipment and use best practices to keep you and your loved ones safe from water-related injury.
- Sun: After months of cold temperatures, it feels positively wonderful to soak up the sun on a hot summer day. But while the negative effects of this seemingly harmless pleasure might not be immediate, they can most definitely be harmful and sometimes even deadly. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and also one of the most preventable. The risk of getting skin cancer is much higher among people who sunbathe and especially those who have experienced multiple sunburns. Protect yourself by always wearing adequate, full-spectrum sunscreen, seeking out shade, and wearing clothing that covers the skin while hiking or doing other outdoor activities.
- Driving: More fatal car accidents happen in the summer than at any other time of year so it's important to practice safe driving habits if you're doing any seasonal traveling, or even just traveling around town. Be sure your car is in good shape before hitting the road; wear your seatbelt and insist that all passengers do, too; and never drive while impaired or overly tired.
- Fire: Barbecues, campfires, fireworks and other seasonal fire-related activities can increase the risk of fire injury or damage to land or property. Use fire responsibly by following all safety guidelines and instructions and using proper safety equipment, like gloves or eye protection. Obey local fire regulations, such as lighting fireworks and building campfires in designated areas, and never leave a child unsupervised around a fire or grill.
- Food Poisoning: Summertime is for cooking and dining outdoors, which leads to an increased risk of foodborne illness. Unrefrigerated foods combined with high temperatures create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow fast. Minimize your risk by following safe food handling practices and temperature guidelines, including washing your hands, avoiding cross contamination, cooking foods thoroughly, and adhering to recommended refrigeration times and temperatures. Remember: When in doubt, throw it out.
Follow these guidelines for a safe and happy summer! For any insurance questions, call or contact Richard B. Ryon Insurance today.