Red Cross Shares 20 Ways to Be Safe This Summer

Summer is finally here and many of us will travel, grill delicious food and cool off in the pool or at the beach. The Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy the summer and be safe at the same time, so we are offering these 20 safety tips people should follow.

DRIVING SAFETY

3. Be well rested and alert, use seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. Clean your headlights and turn them on as dusk approaches or in inclement weather.
4. Don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver available.
5. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
6. Use caution in work zones. There are lots of construction projects underway on the highways.
7. Don’t follow other vehicles too closely.

WATER SAFETY

1. Ensure that everyone in the family becomes water competent. That is, learn to swim well, know your limitations and how to recognize and avoid hazards, and understand how to help prevent and respond to emergencies around water.
2. Adults should actively supervise children and stay within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers. Kids should follow the rules.
3. Fence your pool in with four-sided fencing that is at least four-feet in height and use self-closing, self-latching gates.
4. Wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket always when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level.
5. Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair – everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards. If in a location with no lifeguards, such as a residential pool, designate a “Water Watcher” to keep a close eye and constant attention on children in and around the water.

BEACH SAFETY

1. If you plan to swim in the ocean, a lake or river, be aware that swimming in these environments is different than swimming in a pool. Be sure you have the skills for these environments.
2. Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions.
3. Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.
4. Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
5. If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore that you need assistance. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.

GRILLING SAFETY

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
2. Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
3. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

 

Snow Storm Creates Hazardous Travel: Red Cross Offers Driving Tips

Driving in a winter storm presents its own unique challenges. The Red Cross has steps people can follow to get their vehicle ready for winter as well as what they should do if they are caught in a winter storm.

DRIVING IN WINTER: While the Red Cross encourages you to stay off the road if possible, if you have to drive in snow or freezing rain, follow these tips.

• Fill the vehicle’s gas tank and clean the lights and windows to help you see.

• Pay attention to the weather forecast. Before you leave, let someone know where you are going, the route you plan to take, and when you expect to get there. If your car gets stuck, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

• If you must drive, make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

• Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.

• Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.

• Don’t pass snow plows.

• Know that ramps, bridges and overpasses will freeze before roadways.

If you become stuck in the snow or icy conditions:

• Stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety.

• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.

• Don’t run your engine and heater constantly to help avoid running out of gas. Don’t use things like lights or the radio without the engine running so the battery doesn’t conk out.

• If you can, move your vehicle off the roadway. Stay with it – don’t abandon it. If you have to get out of your vehicle, use the side away from traffic.

• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.

• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.

• Keep one window slightly open — away from the blowing wind — to let in air.

WEATHER ALERTS AND FIRST AID TIPS: People can download the Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to winter storm tips and weather alerts for their area and where loved-ones live. Expert medical guidance and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid App in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.