Summer is a time to relax with family and visit new destinations. Unfortunately, hazards abound during the summer months which will send more than one person to the emergency room. To have a safe and fun summer, remember to follow these tips.
Grill Safely
Grilling is a popular activity in the summer, but you need to make sure your grill is in good working order before putting the first steak on to char. Propane grills, in particular, can be dangerous, so do the following:
- Check for cracks or holes in the hoses. Run a mixture of water and soap over the hose and turn the grill on. Look for bubbles, which are signs that gas is escaping. Replacing any cracked or damaged hoses.
- Check tubes that lead to the burner for blockage.
- Put the grill on a level surface away from enclosures.
- Cover the grill when you are not using it. This will keep debris from falling in.
- Store propane tanks in a cool place standing up and not on their sides.
Grills can also cause burn injuries, so protect yourself with an apron and oven mitts that reach to your elbows. Also keep children away from the grill by putting up a fence.
Remember to keep your food at the right temperature, as well. Over 47 million people suffer food poisoning, some of which can lead to life-altering injuries and even death. Dairy products and eggs, in particular, can cause salmonella poisoning. Protect yourself and your family by refrigerating foods promptly after eating them. If you are having a picnic, bring an insulated bag or a cooler to store food in.
Protect Children around Pools
Nothing beats the heat like a dip in the pool. However, water is very dangerous for children, in particular babies, who can drown while sitting in as little as a few inches of water. Even older children can suffer injuries if they have not been taught how to swim. Proper swimmer safety should include the following:
- Take swimming lessons early in the summer. If you cannot swim, then take lessons along with your children.
- Take babies out of pools if you are not sitting right beside them. It only takes 90 seconds for a baby to drown. If the phone rings, take your baby inside with you instead of leaving them unattended.
- If your children want to swim at a neighbor’s, ask what adults will be present and call to confirm that an adult will be there.
Prepare for a Summer Road Trip
Summer vacation lets families visit relatives in far-flung parts of the country. It also might be the perfect time to visit the Grand Canyon or drive over to the California coast. Unfortunately, roads can become congested in the summer, and accidents are common.
Before heading out, have your car serviced. Check and rotate tires and address any problems, like squeaky brakes or a burnt-out blinker. Doing so will reduce the chances you are stranded on the side of the road and reduce the likelihood that a defect will cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Also remember to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Break up long trips, if necessary, so that you are not tired. Amphetamines and caffeine provide short-lived highs that will leave you more tired than before, so do not rely on them. By padding extra time into your trip, you will also not feel tempted to drive aggressively, which should reduce your chances of getting into an accident.
If you need to check your phone frequently, ask your spouse to drive or schedule regular pit stops to email and text. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents, and you will endanger your family by checking your phone behind the wheel.
If you have young children, remember to have appropriate booster or safety seats and install them properly. Children can get cranky on long trips, so stop often to let them run around while the adults stretch.
Exercise Safely
With a new season comes a new chance to get outside and become more physically active. Maybe you are trying to lose weight, or maybe you want to get outside after being cooped up all day. Whatever your reason, you can reduce the chances of suffering an injury if you remember the following:
- Don’t push yourself too hard right out of the gate. Getting in shape is a slow process. Going too hard can lead to injury, which will completely defeat the purpose of exercising in the first place.
- Warm up and with arm swings, lunges, and twists. Anything that gets your heart rate up is a good warm up exercise.
- Cool down with appropriate stretching. For example, stretch your hamstrings and your chest.
- Buy appropriate gear. If you plan on hiking, then buy hiking boots which will help you maintain your footing in rocky terrain. If you want to ride a bicycle, then buy a helmet.
- Remember to rest. Too much exercise leads to injuries, while rest allows your body to repair, leaving you stronger and more resilient.
Also check that any equipment you use is in good working order. A bicycle defect, for example, can lead to a collision and a trip to the hospital. Check the bicycle frame and brakes before heading out for a ride.
Contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffers a bodily injury this summer, someone else might be to blame. At the Ladah Law Firm, we have represented injured clients in cases involving motor vehicle accidents and dangerous premises. To check whether you have a valid legal claim, you should meet with a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas to discuss your case. The Ladah Law Firm is pleased to offer potential clients a free consultation, which you can schedule by calling 702-252-0055 or sending a message online.
Avoid delay. Nevada law gives injured victims a short amount of time to pursue their legal right to compensation. If you wait too long, a judge might throw your case out of court.