STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS!

Grill Safety

• Make sure the grill, barbecue or propane tank is in an open area with no overhanging trees or branches. Rake leaves, twigs and other nearby flammable vegetation to create a 10-foot clear area around the barbecue.
• Place a screen over the grill -- use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.
• Keep children away from the grill, and make sure any backyard games are conducted at a safe distance from the grill.

Treatment of a burn

• Stop the burn by putting out flames and removing person from source of the burn.
• Cool the burned area with large amounts of cool water. Do not use ice or ice water except on small surface burns. Apply soaked towels, sheets or other wet cloths to the face or other areas that cannot be immersed. Keep cloth cool by adding more water.
• Cover the burn with dry, sterile dressings or cloth. Loosely bandage dressings in place to prevent infection and reduce pain, or cover burned area with dry sheet.
• When to call 9-1-1:
• Burns involving breathing difficulty
• Burns covering more than one body part
• Burns to the head, neck, hands, feet or genitals
• Burns other than a very minor one to a child or elderly person
• Burns resulting from chemicals, explosions or electricity

Insect Stings

• Use insect repellent and follow directions for use.
• Treatment of sting:
  • Remove the stinger. Scrape it away or use tweezers.
  • Wash and cover the wound with sterile dressings.
  • Apply cold pack.
  • Watch for signals of an allergic reaction. Some people have severe reactions to insect stings, such as a bee or wasp sting, that can be life threatening.
  • If you have been stung by a scorpion or bitten by a spider that you think is a black widow or brown recluse, get medical help.

General Camping Safety

• Review the equipment and supplies needed, particularly in case of an emergency. Recommended items include a cell phone or other means of communication, such as a two-way radio, compass, first aid kit, food and water, flashlight, matches, insect repellant, radio with batteries and emergency signaling devices (whistle, pocket mirror, foil), map and sunscreen.
• Before going, check weather conditions and be sure to leave a copy of trip itinerary with family or friends.
• It's safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If entering a remote area, the group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If going into an unfamiliar area, take along someone who knows the area or at least get this information from those who do before setting out.
• After being outdoors or if outdoors for a long period, perform a tick check. Shower immediately after coming indoors. Remove any ticks by doing the following:

  Using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull slowly, steadily, and firmly. Avoid crushing the tick's body.

  Once removed, clean the area with antiseptic, such as alcohol.

  Save the tick in a jar of alcohol or taped it to a piece of cardboard so it can be identified by the local health department.

Camping Safety

Myth: Treat a poisonous snake bite by cutting the wound and sucking out the venom.

Answer: Wrong! Do not cut the wound, do not attempt to suck out the venom, do not apply ice, do not apply a tourniquet and do not use electric shock. Wash the wound. Keep bitten part still and lower than the heart. Call 9-1-1 or local emergency number immediately. If professional medical care is not accessible within 30 minutes, consider suctioning the wound using a snake bite kit. People at-risk of snake bites (those in the wild and away from medical care) should carry a snake bite kit, available at camping and wilderness equipment stores and know how to use its contents.

Dehydration  

• Drink lots of water. Carry water or juice and drink continuously even if not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Avoid heavy exertion in the heat of the day.
• Take frequent rest breaks.

When Help is Delayed-Wilderness First Aid

• The ideal thing is to have help come to the victim. Attempt to call for advanced medical help using an emergency communication system - either a cell phone or two-way radio. If help cannot come, the main goal is to get the victim to advanced help and do no further harm.
• For suspected sprains or broken bones, immobilize the injured area by making a splint from whatever resources are available, such as rolled up clothing or blankets and small branches and bandages from the first aid kit.
• Provide assistance to the victim as move out of the wilderness. For example, create a 'cane' from a walking assist or use the helper's body as support.
• Attempt to delay the onset of more serious conditions such as shock by maintaining a normal body temperature - do not over heat or over cool the victim. Also, if the victim is fully alert and able, keep them hydrated.

Backyard Safety

Myth: Apply butter to a burn.

Answer: Wrong! Never apply butter to a burn. Ointments or other home remedies such as butter can actually seal in the heat and don't do much to relieve pain. These treatments can also cause infection if the skin is broken.

Basic Water Safety at the Beach

• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim--this includes adults and children. Local American Red Cross chapters have swimming courses for people of all ages and swimming abilities.
• Never swim alone.
• Check surf and weather conditions before entering the water. Check to see if a warning flag is up or check with a lifeguard for water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.
• Venturing into moving water and surf conditions can be more challenging than the flat water pool. As a result, swimmers should approach the water with caution in the beginning to become familiar with the environment and know abilities and limits.
• Stay within the designated swimming area, ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard.
• Stay away from piers, pilings, and diving platforms when in the water.
• Make sure to always have enough energy to swim back to shore.
• Don't try to swim against a current if caught in one. Swim gradually out of the current, by swimming across it.
• Pack a "safety" bag for a day at the beach or lake. Water-proof sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, water shoes to keep feet safe from the heat and objects on land and in the water and plenty of water are must haves. All containers should be plastic to prevent injuries from breaking glass.

Beach Safety

Myth: Those with a dark complexion and who tan easily don't need to wear sunscreen.

Answer: Wrong! It is important for everyone to wear a water-proof sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply it 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun and reapply it often, especially after swimming.

Sunburn Prevention/Treatment

Prevention:

• Protect the skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear a water-proof sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. Apply it 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun and reapply it often, especially after swimming.
• It is equally important to protect the eyes from sun damage. Prevent sun damage by wearing sunglasses.
• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Certain medications can increase sensitivity to the sun. Check with a physician or pharmacist before planning outdoor activities.

Treatment:

• Cool the sunburn by flushing with cool water. A doctor or pharmacist can provide guidance about products to apply.
• Protect from further damage by staying out of the sun, or wearing sunscreen.
• Protect unbroken blisters with loose bandages and keep broken blisters clean to prevent infection.

Prevention, Recognition and Treatment of Heat-Related Illness

Prevention

• Drink water. Carry water or juice and drink continuously even if not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If the signals of heat-related illness are recognized (see below) stop activity and find a cool place.
• Remember, have fun, but stay cool!

Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

• Heat-related illness usually comes in stages. The signal of the first stage is are muscle cramps. These cramps can be very painful. If heat cramps are suspected, have victim stop activity and rest. If the person is fully awake and alert, give small amounts of cool water or a commercial sports drink. Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle. Repeat these steps if necessary. If the victim has no other signals of heat-related illness, the person may resume activity after the cramps stop.
• The signals of the next, more serious stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat exhaustion) include--
  • Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity).
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion.
  • Nausea.
  • The skin may or may not feel hot.
• The signals of the late stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat stroke) include--
  • Vomiting.
  • Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness.
  • High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105oF).
  • Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.
  • Rapid, weak pulse.
  • Rapid, shallow breathing.
• This late stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.