Summer Safety: Water and Fire Safety

Summer is here! With many family members taking time off, visiting friends and family across the county and possibly abroad. Some would be attending various festivals and events many with fireworks especially this month, it is important to remember while we are having fun, safety is #1 key.

Water Safety

Importance of water safety can’t be overstated, drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 2, but  anyone can be at risk. In 2013, 3,391 people over all age groups have drowned. (NSC Safety in and Out of the Water, 2017)

Water safety should be practiced with adults, knowing how to perform all following tips under our belts can save our as well as another’s life. According to an American Red Cross survey, only 56% of adults say they swim are able to perform five critical water-safety skills that could save their lives. Some of these include:

• Floating or treading water for one minute without a flotation device
• Stepping or jumping into water over your head and returning to the surface
• Exiting a pool without using a ladder 
• Swimming 25 yards without stopping (NSC Safety in and Out of the Water, 2017)

Fire Safety

The National Safety Council advises everyone to stay away from all consumer fireworks and to only enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by seasoned professionals. In 2015, 11 people died and about 11,500 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Best to Leave Fireworks to the Experts)
There are some fireworks that are legal for consumers to purchase and use, but not necessarily legal. It is highly advised for everyone to only enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by seasoned professionals. Check out this video by the NFPA.

Summer is a wonderful time to spend with family and friends outside, and outdoor activities are a great way to be active and stay in shape. Make sure you don't put an end to the fun because of a preventable injury.

Remember to report any issues of unsafe playgrounds to the owner or park district as necessary. Children under 6 yrs old should be supervised at all times by an adult. (Like to Play Outside? NSC Shares Some Tips for Staying Safe)

How are You Staying Safe This Summer?

Celebrating National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month, and National Safety Council  has provided some pointers to help raise awareness on what it takes to Keep Each Other Safe. Some of the focus this month includes reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities. 

The Need to Get Good Sleep 

Do you know that we need to be recharged to be in charge of our daily activities, such as in the workplace, at home or on the road? According CDC, 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. It is also estimated that 37% of American workforce is sleep deprived. We need proper sleep to recharge ourselves, face the day and avoid injuries at home and at work. Some tips  to help you be alert: 

• Create and follow a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.  7-9 hours each day preferred  
• Make sure your bed and pillows are comfortable and support restful sleep 
• Avoid using electronic devices before bed which can inhibit sleep (Recharge to be in Charge)      

Work Ergonomically

According to American Chiropractic Association, approximately 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some point in their lives, and 31 million will experience lowback pain some time.  

To help prevent these issues before it starts, here are some general guidelines: 

v  Prevent lower back pain by staying healthy and active. Carrying extra weight and smoking can make you more susceptible to back injuries. 
v  Make sure chairs have proper lumbar and arm support, and can be adjusted for height
v  To take short breaks. Look away from your screen every 15 minutes, take micro breaks in between bursts of heavy typing and don’t forget to take a rest break every 30 or 60 minutes. (Work Ergonomically)

How Will You Increase Safety Awareness?