Be summer smart when enjoying summer fun

Summer is a great time to enjoy fellowship with family and friends and explore the many outdoor opportunities available throughout the city and state. Although June 21 is officially first day of summer, activities like barbeques, boating, hiking, biking and swimming have already begun for many throughout North Texas. These outdoor activities and increased opportunities for travel bring a higher potential for accidents and preventable mishaps.

The threats are very real but can be mitigated with proper care and planning:

Don’t Text and Drive: Texting while driving kills or injures thousands every year; add a car full of excited people eager to get to a destination and the risks go up exponentially. Use a hands free device or better yet, wait until you arrive at your location before you pick up that smartphone.

Alcohol and Medication: Never drink and drive; you put yourself and everyone else on the road in danger. Certain medications also advise against using while operating heavy machinery – that includes your 4,000 pound vehicle!

Swimming: Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children ages 1 through 4, but water related accidents can occur within all age groups at any time while around pools, streams or lakes. Never swim alone or in unfamiliar waters, follow posted regulations and practice situational awareness. Also consider becoming CPR trained and certified.

Pool Barriers: Install barriers, such as fences or gates, around the pool area and be sure they’re locked when the pool is not in use, with the latch out of the reach of children. Pool fencing should have self-locking, self-closing gates.

Heat: Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be deadly. Hydrate appropriately, apply sunscreen often and seek shade during peak sun times.

Motorcycles and Bicycles: Warm weather and sunny days make riding more enjoyable; share the road and be aware of two-wheeled operators.

For more information on how to safely enjoy the summer season visit:

National Safety Council: http://www.nsc.org/act/events/Pages/safety-events-summer-safety.aspx

Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/parent/centers/summer_center.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/men/summer/