Stay safe and celebrate: Essential 4th of July safety tips

By Zain Ahmad

“Fireworks” by Andrea Stöckel published under CC0 Public Domain license.

As we come together to celebrate our nation’s independence with barbecues, fireworks, and outdoor fun, it’s important to keep grilling, insects, fireworks, and campfire safety in mind. From the Red Cross, this guide offers crucial tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Grilling Safety

One of the main traditions celebrated during the 4th of July is a good barbecue, but doing so can be risky. Here are some tips to have safety when barbecuing during the 4th of July:

• Always keep an eye on the grill while it’s in use to ensure safety, and always make sure to never grill indoors.
• Keep yourself and others away from the heat. When cooking, use long utensils to keep a safe distance from the grill as well.
• Keep perishable food out of the sun to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Red Cross graphic – Don’t go from cooking on a grill to a grill fire.

Insect Safety

Outdoor activities on the 4th of July can attract insects that can cause major consequences if not treated and protected from. Here are some tips to stay safe from insects:

• Apply repellents when outside to stay safe from any insect bites.
• Opt for long-sleeved shirts and long pants, tucking pant legs into socks or boots, and shirts into pants.
• When hiking, stick to the center of trails and avoid tall grass.
• If outdoors for extended periods, check yourself regularly, especially in hairy areas like the neck and scalp. Try not to stay outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Red Cross graphic – Prevent tick bites: Avoid walking in tall grass or underbrush. Apply insect repellent with DEET. Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are a highlight of 4th of July celebrations but can be hazardous if not used correctly. Use these tips to ensure safety:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision. Wear protective eyewear when using fireworks.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands, ignite them indoors, aim them at another person, or use them in closed areas.
• Have a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any fireworks that don’t go off or in case of a fire.

Red Cross graphic – Firework Safety: Keep water nearby in case fireworks start a fire. Don’t point fireworks at pets. Wear eye protection if you light a firework. Never try relighting a dud.

Campfire Safety

Campfires provide a good background vibe when celebrations are happening, but they can be severe if handled incorrectly. Here are some safety tips for campfires:

• Set up campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs, and anything that can burn.
• Ensure all fires are turned off or completely put out before leaving the area.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach and sight of children.

Red Cross graphic – The safest wildfire is one that never starts.

By following these important safety tips, you can ensure that your 4th of July celebration is both fun and safe. Keeping safety a priority allows you to fully enjoy the spirit of Independence Day with peace of mind. Share these tips with friends and family, and from the Red Cross, have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Check out the American Red Cross Summer Safety Tips webpage for more info.

PA Lightning Awareness Week: Crack down on the facts!

By Susan West

Red Cross graphic – What to do if lightning strikes someone: 1. Call 911. 2. Check for burns and other injuries. 3. Perform CPR if the person isn’t breathing.

Lightning: It’s sudden, it’s scary, and it can indeed strike in the same place twice. But while these bolts from the blue may seem random, there are lots of ways you can keep yourself safe. Here are some summertime scenarios to think about:

Scenario #1: You’re golfing and hear thunder.

DO: As the saying goes, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” You’re close enough to be struck, so seek shelter in a substantial, enclosed structure—not a shed, picnic shelter, tent, carport, or patio. There is no safe place outside during a storm, and an open field or beach is the most perilous place of all.

DON’T: Stand under a tree or near anything tall, such as a light pole. You don’t want to be the highest object in the area. Don’t even think about crouching; you won’t be protected, and lying flat may actually increase your chance of being impacted by a ground current.

Scenario #2: A beach day turns dark and stormy.

DO: Get out of the water and take shelter—in your car, if you have to. Lightning doesn’t strike the ocean as much as land, but when it does, it spreads out over the water, which acts as a conductor. It can hit nearby boats and even electrocute fish near the surface.

DON’T: Wait on the beach. Remember, the beach is a big, flat, sandy open space.

Scenario #3: Whew! The storm is raging, but you’re safely indoors.

DO: Stay away from windows, upper floors, and electrical appliances. Exterior doors can have metal both inside and out—like that doorknob. Any metal, wires, and pipes extending from the house could provide a deadly route for electricity coming in from outside.

DON’T: Take a shower, wash dishes, or use a landline phone. Metal doesn’t attract lightning, but it does conduct it—that is, it provides a path for the current to follow.

Scenario #4: You hit a nasty squall while driving.

DO: Stay in the car; pull over if you have to. Your metal-topped vehicle can provide shelter from lightning when no building is available. The tires aren’t what protect you; instead, the car’s metal body and frame conducts the current around you, through the tires, and into the ground.

DON’T: Touch any metal inside the car. Note: A convertible or soft-topped vehicle is not safe.

Scenario #5: Bases are loaded and your kid is at bat. The sky darkens and rumbles.

DO: Look for the person who’s been assigned to call off the game. There is someone assigned, right? About two-thirds of lightning deaths happen during outdoor recreational activities. Planning is essential for everyone’s safety.

DON’T: Wait until it’s too late. If you hear thunder, the storm is probably within 10 miles. Sorry, kid.

The nightmare scenario: Your friend was struck and has collapsed!

DO: Call 911 and provide first aid if you can. Want to learn CPR? The American Red Cross can help: www.redcross.org/take-a-class/CPR. This could make the difference between life and death.

DON’T: Be afraid to touch your friend. People struck by lightning do not carry a charge and are safe to touch. You will not be electrocuted.

Tips for staying safe during extreme heat

By Zain Ahmad

Red Cross graphic – Evacuate your home! If it becomes too hot, go to an air-conditioned place like a library, mall or public cooling center.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extreme summer heat is increasing. Climate projections indicate that extreme heat events will be more frequent and intense in coming decades. The American Red Cross has information to help keep everyone safe during summer heat.

Dangers of extreme heat

Exposure to extreme heat poses significant health risks and even heat related health emergencies and deaths, all of which have increased over the years. The main health conditions directly related to heat include heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Older people, those with chronic medical conditions and  young children are specifically prone to heat-related health problems. Hot temperatures also contribute to heart attacks and strokes.

The increased heat can also cause wildfires, which are also more common. Southeastern Pennsylvania was even affected by the smoke from Canadian wildfires last year.

Red Cross graphic – You need to drink at least 12 cups of water per day during a heat wave.

Safety tips

With rising incidence of the heat wave around the nation, here is how to keep yourself safe from the heat:

• Stay in air conditioned buildings if possible. Find out about any cool places in your area, such as a library or a shopping center. If you do not know of any near you, then contact your local health department and find a cooling center near you.

• Install air conditioners in your home. A fan is not enough as it gives the body a fake sensation of comfort and does not reduce body temperature.

• Stay well hydrated. Drink more water than usual. If you have health conditions that limit fluid intake, then check with your doctor about the amount of water that you can drink

• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. Inside of the parked cars can quickly get heated to 120 F.

• Avoid any outdoor activities especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., if possible. This will reduce your risk for any heat-related conditions

• Wear loose and light colored clothings. Take cool showers or baths.

• If by any chance you have to wear a mask, be sure to wear one that has breathable fabric, such as cotton. Polyester is not a breathable fabric.

• Be sure to check on your neighbors, family, or friends who may not be safe from the heat.

• As for pet safety, make sure pets have cool water and shade. Check on them frequently to find out if they are feeling well.

Red Cross graphic – Don’t use an electric fan during warm weather. Using a fan when the indoor temperature is over 95 degrees F may cause your body to gain heat instead of losing it.

Following these simple tips will keep yourself and your family safe from the heat. Visit our website or download our free First Aid app for more tips.

Be prepared for floods and landslides this hurricane season

By Zain Ahmad

All over the country, floods and landslides are increasing. Some areas in the country are more prone like California and Alaska. In January 2023, California reported 700 landslides while Kentucky also sustained significant damage in July 2023 from flash floods. Southeastern Pennsylvania is not exempt from these disasters. These floods and landslides cost the country a lot. For instance, in 2023, 4 billion dollars were spent in order to respond to these emergencies

Being able to prepare for these disasters is extremely important, and  the American Red Cross helps you do so, especially as hurricane season is officially here.

Red Cross graphic – Download this! Search “Red Cross Emergency app” for weather alerts, safety tips, shelter locations.

How to Prepare for any Disaster

When looking at disasters in general, keep in mind the following points:

1. Know the Fast-Moving and Slow-Moving disasters. 

• Fast moving disasters are those which give no time to prepare like Wildfire or a Home Fire, and a Tornado.
• Slow moving disasters are ones which have some warnings and give time to prepare like Flood, Hurricane, and Winter Storms.
• Landslides may have some warning signs like heavy rainfall or road work before the event occurs.

2. Know how to prepare Before a disaster, During, and After a disaster. 

Red Cross graphic – Before a flood: Take photos of important documents. Keep them and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. Place them in a spot less likely to be damaged during a flood.

Before a Disaster:

• Identify any likely local emergencies.
• Be familiar with community response plans.
• Sign up for alerts and warnings.
• Write down important contact numbers in a small diary or card incase you are not able to access your phone during emergency.
• Have a battery operated radio at home.
• Know your neighbors.
• Make a plan of evacuation and where to meet after a disaster.
• Most importantly, visit redcross.org/prepare for full preparedness tips and download the Red Cross Emergency App.

Red Cross graphic – Never walk, swim or try to drive through floodwater.

During a Disaster:

• Know how you would react to protect yourself.
• Stay informed. 
• Locate public shelters.
• Do not count on receiving help right away.
• Be prepared to help loved ones and neighbors.

Red Cross graphic – If your car is trapped on a flooded road with rising water, get out and move to higher ground.

Floods

When a flood is predicted, be prepared to evacuate and secure any important documents. Check your disaster kits and the NOAA radio to stay updated on the course of the flood. 

When a flood happens, make sure to:

• Get to higher ground, and stay away from areas that can flood quickly.
• Avoid any contact with floodwater.
• If you see fast moving water, turn around and don’t drown.

Amy Juarez, our regional preparedness education lead, says that “it only takes about 6 inches of water to knock an adult person off their feet and sweep them away.”

Red Cross graphic – Stay alert and awake. Many landslide deaths occur while people are sleeping.

Landslides

A landslide is the movement of any rock, earth, or debris downwards, and that movement can cause major harm to a road and other people in its way. They are more common where landslides have already occurred.

Important Warning Signs for a Landslide:

• Popping, creaking and rumbling sounds in the area
• Any leaning trees or poles
• Changes in the terrain

If a landslide is predicted, take the same precautions as for a flood, which can be securing any important documents and checking disaster kits. One of the most important ways to protect yourself in an active landslide is to protect your head!

Red Cross graphic – After a flood: Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in and around your home.

After a Disaster:

After a flood or a landslide, contact others to let them know that you are safe. During a flood, water can get contaminated and become unsafe, so make sure it is safe to use. During a landslide, only go back to your home when authorities say it is safe to do so.

Having the knowledge to know what to do in the case of a flood or a landslide is important for everyone. To better prepare for such disasters, redcross.org/prepare, provides you with more tips. Stay Safe!

It’s National Bike Month. Enjoy the ride!

By Christal Harte

Spring is officially here, and this month marks National Bike Month! Biking is a wonderful way to get around, stay fit and get immersed with the outdoors! Whether you are new to biking or a seasoned cyclist like my step dad who really enjoys biking 100 miles at a time, safety should always be your top priority. Let’s dive into some helpful tips and tricks to keep you safe on two wheels as we cruise towards the end of the year.

Rules of the Road

Drivers aren’t the only one who need to follow traffic laws. Cyclists are expected to stop at red lights and stop signs, ride in the same direction as traffic, and use hand signals to show where you’re going. You should wear bright clothing and use lights or reflectors, especially when it’s dark to help you stay visible and most importantly keep you safe. When riding, ride predictably- no sudden swerves or stops.  

Prep Before Biking

Before you head out on your bike, make sure you are prepared. You should have a helmet that fits. Your bike should be inspected for any issues- are your tires flat? When was the last time you took your bike in for proper maintenance?  Do you know if your brakes still work? Make sure you have a tire repair kit, a bottle of water and some ID. Do you know your local cycling rules, get a copy from your local DMV to stay current on any laws and adjustments. 

Special Tips for Kids & Older Adults

For kids and older adults there are several things to consider. For kids, adult supervision is essential. Adults should endeavor to teach kids road safety basics including basic hand signals. Ensure that the bikes are in optimal condition, ensure they have properly fitting helmets and have them bike in safe areas. Older adults should bike in areas with less traffic, and avoid rush hour traffic. 

Bike Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for safe riding. This includes checking tire pressure, ensuring brakes are functioning correctly, and keeping the chain lubricated. Periodic professional tune-ups can catch issues that might not be immediately apparent. Keeping the bike clean can also prevent wear and tear on its components.

Electric Bikes

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are becoming increasingly popular. While they offer the advantage of assisted pedaling, they also come with specific safety considerations. E-bike riders should be aware of the higher speeds they can reach and should practice in a safe area before riding on busy roads. It’s also important to check local regulations, as some areas have specific laws for e-bikes regarding speed limits and where they can be ridden.

Movie Pick for Bike Lovers

If you’re looking for a great bike-themed movie, check out “Breaking Away” (1979). It’s about a group of teenagers in Bloomington, Indiana, who are passionate about cycling. The film captures the excitement of biking and the personal growth of its characters, making it a must-watch for any cycling enthusiast.

Headed Out

For more detailed tips, head over to the National Safety Council’s bicycle safety page and the League of American Bicyclists’ Bike Month page. These resources are packed with info to help you ride safely and enjoy every moment on your bike.

So, gear up, stay safe, and happy riding!

Red Cross offers tips to help you have a safe summer

By Dave Skutnik

As we all head outside to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather this summer, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region has steps you can follow to help stay safe.

“Here in the Delaware Valley many of us enjoy spending time outdoors with loved ones as we head down the shore, up to the Poconos or simply hang out at home,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “The Red Cross wants you to avoid any danger no matter what your plans include and offers steps you can follow to have a safe summer.” Visit redcross.org/summersafety for more information.

WATER SAFETY

Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Unless rescued, it could take as little as 20 to 60 seconds for a drowning person to submerge.

Red Cross graphic – Reach or Throw, Don’t Go! If someone is in trouble, don’t jump in the water. Reach out to them or throw something that floats.

• Learn to be safe, make good choices, learn to swim and know how to handle emergencies.
• Provide constant, active adult supervision and know how to swim.
• Swim in an area with lifeguards. Designate a “water watcher” to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Wear your life jacket.
• Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.
• Swimming classes are available for both children and adults. Visit redcross.org/watersafety for a map of Learn-to-Swim providers in your community.
• Download the Red Cross Swim app for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course in English or Spanish.

PICNIC & GRILLING SAFETY

Summer is a great time to get outside for a picnic or to fire up the grill. Follow these tips to prevent illness and keep everyone safe.

Red Cross graphic – Places you shouldn’t grill: in a tent, inside a camper, inside your house.

• Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food.
• Separate uncooked meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.
• Bring hand sanitizer if your picnic site doesn’t have hand-washing facilities.
• If you are going to cook on the grill, bring a food thermometer to be sure grilled foods are cooked enough. 
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Never grill indoors.
• Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
• Wash your hands before preparing the food.  
• Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.  

OUTDOOR SAFETY

Whether camping or just enjoying the outdoors, follow these tips.

Red Cross graphic – Prevent Tick Bites: Avoid walking in tall grass. Apply insect repellent with DEET. Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks.

• If a camping trip is in your plans, know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.
• Pack a first aid kit.
• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course and download the First Aid app.
• Watch for sprains, falls and dehydration.
• Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
• Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets.
• There is a greater chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes and ticks outdoors Use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when you are outdoors. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
• Consider staying indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots.
• Use a rubber band or tape to hold pants against socks so that nothing can get under clothing.
• Tuck your shirt into your pants. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to see tiny insects or ticks.
• When hiking in woods and fields, stay in the middle of trails. Avoid underbrush and tall grass.
• If you are outdoors for a long time, check yourself several times during the day. Especially check in hairy areas of the body like the back of the neck and the scalp line.
• Inspect yourself carefully for insects or ticks after being outdoors or have someone else do it.
• If you have pets that go outdoors, spray with repellent made for their breed/type. Apply the repellent according to the label and check your pet for ticks often.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying sources of standing water outside of the home, such as from flowerpots, buckets and barrels.

Red Cross graphic – What should I do if: I have a nosebleed? I think I have frostbite? I hot my head? Get these answers fast! Download the Red Cross First Aid app.

Download the FREE Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the FREE Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Deck your halls safely this holiday season

By Zain Ahmad

Holiday season is not complete without decorations like lights and candles, but these also increases fire risks. December is the peak time for home fires involving candles and holiday decorations. To ensure that our festive occasions stay joyful and safe, here are a few tips and precautions from the Red Cross while decorating your homes.

Red Cross graphic – Decorations that increase the risk of home fires: Christmas trees, candles, electric lights.

Holiday Decorations and Lights

• Some lights may be for indoor or outdoor purposes but not for both, so please use them as instructed.
• Check each set of lights for broken bulbs, cracked sockets or frayed wires. Any damaged sets of lights should be thrown away or repaired before using them again.
• Multiple set of lights can be used, but don’t use more than 3 standard size sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Turn off all indoor lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Candles

• Never use lit candles on or near a tree.
• Use non-flammable holders for candles.
• If you are using a menorah or a kinara, place it on a non-flammable surface to catch any wax. For example, aluminum foil works.
• Make sure to place candles on a flat surface where they cannot be knocked down.
• Keep candles at least 3 feets away from the curtains, decorations and rugs
• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of the children.
• Consider using battery operated candles instead of traditional ones.

Christmas Trees

Whether the Christmas trees are fake or realt, they can cause fires.

• Water the real Christmas trees regularly, as dry needles can catch the fire easily.
• Be sure to keep trees away from anything flammable.

Fireplaces

During the cold nights and days of winter, nothing is better than having the light and heat of the fire in your hearth.

• Be sure to always keep a fire extinguisher near your fire.
• Make sure that the fire and the embers are fully extinguished before you leave the house or go to bed.
• Anything that is flammable should be kept 3 ft away from the flames. A screen should be kept before the fireplace whenever a fire is burning.

Visit the Red Cross website for more holiday safety tips.

Follow these tips for a safe Labor Day weekend

By Zain Ahmad

“Cook on BBQ” by Charles Rondeau, published under CC0 Public Domain.

Labor Day weekend is around the corner. Since this is the last weekend of the summer, you may have plans for a picnic, barbecue or outdoor games. However you spend it, here are ways to stay safe during your holiday and make it memorable.

The most overlooked, though an important habit is sun safety. Prolonged exposure of your skin to the sun can cause skin cancer. Some of the best ways to stay safe in the sun are:

• Wear long sleeved clothing and a hat. For baseball-type hats, make sure to wear sunscreen for the back of your neck and ears.
• While hats are a good way of sun protection, sunglasses are important too. UV rays damage your eyes with time. The best way of protecting your eyes from the sun is by wearing sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
• Sunscreen should be applied to any exposed part of the body. Any sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher is necessary for going outdoors to keep your skin safe. Make sure to put sunscreen around every 2 hours and get new sunscreen if the current one expires.

An extremely popular method of celebrating Labor Day is by hosting picnics and eating outdoors. Here are a few safety tips for eating outdoors.

The most important tip is keeping yourself well hydrated. Always prepare for an ample supply of clean drinking water. Second, when preparing and eating food, always make sure to keep cold food cold and keep hot food hot. This will ensure that the food is at the right temperature and will terminate any bacterial growth. Other important tips are:

• Make sure to pack all cold food in a cooler, keeping the temperature under 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Make sure that the types of food are separated to prevent any mix of ingredients inside the food. For example, keeping any type of meat next to vegetables will have the juice from the meat being transferred to the vegetables, and that results in cross-contamination.
• Any fruits or vegetables should be cleaned and rinsed before being eaten.
• Grilling also goes with outdoor picnics. Before you start grilling, you always want to make sure that marinated food stays in the refrigerator, and to not reuse marinade. 
• Make sure that your food served is clean, and that there are no other objects that have found their way into your food.
• When serving food, make sure that no utensils are reused as this also causes cross-contamination.
• After grilling, take all precautions to put off the fire. This will prevent any fire mishaps.

Staying safe in the sun, and while eating and grilling, will make your Labor Day a fun-filled holiday!

Fall sports: Top tips to stay safe

By Nathan Fligelman

“Football Ground” by George Hoden, published under CC0 Public Domain.

As summer nears its end, the Fall sports season is set to begin! With the practice and play of Fall sports comes a wave of thrilling fun and exciting competition. Unfortunately, injuries and ailments are also part of the game. So here’s some advice to help prevent some of the most common game day misfortunes.

From practice to championship level competition, the first important tip is to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is crucial for success – especially in the heat.

It’s easy to get caught up in high stakes match-ups, but remember athletes must do their best to pace themselves and not over exert themselves.

Stretching and jogging throughout warm up sessions is a way to help prevent issues with your muscles.

Some might say availability is the best ability and you can’t help your team if you are out sick or injured. You don’t want to not show up because you are too tired or have pain from the wear and tear on your body that could have been avoided if you took the proper precautions.

Athletes can develop good safety habits early on and many of those include knowing the proper technique for a sport and making sure to learn how to properly use any equipment. Equipment, like helmets or pads in football, is designed to protect you and is meant to be worn at all times while participating in the activity.

The unfortunate truth of the sports world is that no matter how hard you work to avoid injury, you may still get hurt. Respond appropriately if you do get injured. Most importantly, if you suffer a head injury, like a suspected concussion, it is critical that you immediately discontinue your participation and seek the care and official diagnosis of a doctor. Normally, several weeks of rest are advised after a concussion, in order to ensure that the brain is fully healed before rejoining your team.

It’s tempting to want to play through an injury, like professional athletes often do, but don’t do it. Therapy and rest may be recommended and can be critical to proper healing. For more serious injuries, like a sprain, tear or fracture, athletes may need to seek the help of a specialist like an orthopedic surgeon.

This Fall, as you work hard and help lead your team to a championship win, make sure you also take care of yourself properly!

Essential tips for protecting yourself from mosquitoes, ticks and poison sumac/ivy

By Samantha Antenucci 

As the warm weather arrives, so do unwelcome visitors like mosquitoes, ticks, and poisonous plants such as sumac and ivy. These nuisances can turn outdoor adventures into unpleasant experiences or pose health risks. However, with proper knowledge and preventive measures, you can protect yourself and enjoy the great outdoors without worry.

Mosquito Protection

CDC graphic – Mosquito bites can make you sick and spread germs. Mosquitoes bite day and night. Use insect repellent. It works! Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquito-proof your home.

Mosquitoes are irritating but can also transmit diseases such as dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. To protect yourself from these tiny but troublesome insects, consider the following precautions:

• Apply an effective mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin and clothing. Reapply as directed on the product label.

• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin. Opt for light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.

• Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so regularly empty and clean items like flowerpots, bird baths, and gutters. Keep your surroundings free of stagnant water to reduce their breeding sites.

Tick Prevention

Red Cross graphic – Avoid walking in tall grass or underbrush. Apply insect repellent with DEET. Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks.

Ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, among other illnesses, making tick prevention crucial for anyone spending time in wooded or grassy areas. Consider the following measures to safeguard against ticks:

• Treat your clothing, shoes, and gear with permethrin, a potent tick repellent. Tuck pants into socks and choose closed-toe shoes to minimize tick access.

• After spending time outdoors, carefully inspect your body and clothing for ticks. Pay particular attention to hidden areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, and between the toes.

• Avoid walking through tall grass or brush, as these are prime habitats for ticks. Stick to designated paths whenever possible.

• If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.

Poison Sumac/Ivy Awareness

FDA video: 4 Tips to Outsmarting Poisonous Plants

Contact with poison sumac or poison ivy can result in an itchy, blistering rash caused by the plant’s oily resin. To protect yourself from these plants:

• Familiarize yourself with the appearance of poison sumac and poison ivy, which typically have clusters of three leaflets. Poison sumac usually has smooth-edged leaves, while poison ivy may have notched or irregular edges.

• Cover your skin with long sleeves, pants, and gloves while working or hiking in areas where poison sumac or poison ivy may be present. Wash these clothes separately to avoid spreading the resin.

• If you come in contact with poison sumac or poison ivy, wash your skin with soap and water as soon as possible to remove the resin and minimize the chance of a reaction.

• Consider seeking medical attention if you develop a rash or experience severe symptoms after exposure.

Prioritizing your safety and taking proactive measures against these outdoor hazards allows you to enjoy nature’s beauty fully while minimizing potential health risks. By incorporating these preventive measures into your outdoor routine, you can ensure that your adventures are free from the annoyances and discomfort caused by mosquitoes, ticks, and poisonous plants. Stay informed, prepared, and protected, and make the most of your outdoor experiences.