Summer is quickly approaching, which means you will no doubt spend a lot more time outdoors to enjoy it. Whether you are visiting New York or are a native New Yorker, there are always concerns you should have while outside in the summer. Use these summer safety tips to your advantage as the season quickly approaches.
Take Breaks When Necessary
The weather in New York can get very hot, hazy and humid during the summer. As a result, it’s essential that you take breaks when you need them. If you are doing something outdoors and it gets too hot, it can have adverse effects on your health, especially if you have asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Even those who are generally very healthy can suffer when they have had too much heat exposure. Go inside and cool off in the air conditioning whenever possible.
Practice Pool Safety
If you visit a friend or family member who has a pool to go for a swim, it’s important to keep a close eye on children. The National Safety Council reports that 74% of drowning incidents for children younger than 15 between 2015 and 2017 occurred in residential locations. Drownings can happen in the blink of an eye, so always have an adult supervising children in the water, even if they do know how to swim.
Know Which Plants to Avoid
Summer is a time when poisonous plants crop up. It’s important to know how to properly identify poison ivy and poison oak so you can avoid them. If you or someone else comes into contact with one of these plants, immediately rinse the exposed area with water and soap.
Use Fireworks with Caution
Fourth of July approaching in a few short weeks, and who doesn’t love seeing fireworks light up the sky on this holiday? Unfortunately, not everyone takes the precautions necessary when lighting off fireworks or sparklers. If fireworks are legal in your area and you do decide to use them, the National Safety Council recommends that you:
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Never allow young children to handle fireworks
Never light them indoors
Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
Never ignite devices in a container
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
Taking these precautions not only ensures your own safety and the safety of your family, but it can prevent anyone from being injured on your property and holding you liable for a premises liability claim.
On the other hand, if you suffer an injury this summer on someone else’s property, it’s important to talk with a Nassau County personal injury attorney. An attorney at Foley Griffin can help you determine if you have a case for premises liability and how to go about seeking compensation for your injuries.
Contact our firm at (888) 966-8480 for a free consultation to discuss your case.