With temperatures already climbing and school getting out soon, it’s time to start thinking about picnics in the park, trips to the pool, and days spent out on the lake. But while summer can be a great season here in Atlanta, it’s also a dangerous time of year, thanks to sky-high temperatures, easy access to pools and water, and increased outside activity. And if you’ve ever had to look for a Druid Hills accident attorney before, you’re also well aware that plenty of drivers lose their cool when the weather gets hot.
To help keep you and your family safe this summer, we have a few tips that should cover everything from your first BBQ of the season to the last picnic of the summer.
Keep cool
Let’s be honest. Atlanta gets hot—usually starting in May and lasting through September. And while it’s healthy to get outside and be active, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying hydrated and safe as temperatures go up and air quality goes down. Infants and young kids are at the biggest risk for heat-related illness. Never leave them in a parked car, even with the windows cracked, even for a moment. Same goes for pets.
Try to limit outdoor activities to the morning or evening, avoiding the hottest time of day. And if you’re outside in the sun, always wear a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection—just a few bad burns can increase your risk of skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Stay smart
It’s easy to let the loosened responsibilities of summer get to your head, but if you’re driving, boating, biking, or supervising kids, it’s vital to keep safety in mind as you enjoy your downtime. It goes without saying you should never drink and drive, but many people forget that goes for boating, as well. The Georgia Boat Safety Act prohibits anyone over 21 from operating a boat, sailboat, or personal watercraft with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more. Additionally, you should have Coast Guard-approved life jackets for anyone on board, especially for kids (and no, water wings don’t count!).
If you’re riding bikes, motorcycles, or ATVs this summer, you’ll also want to be sure you’re not drinking and you have proper safety gear. Know the signs of a concussion (including nausea, grogginess, confusion, and head pressure), and get help at the emergency room if symptoms worsen.
Watch the water
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of injury or death for kids aged 1 to 4. In fact, three children die each day from an accidental drowning. Never take your eyes off kids when you’re around a pool, lake, ocean, or any other body of water. If you’re with a group of adults, try out the “Water Watcher” system: Each adult takes a turn as the “Water Watcher” for a set period of time, say 15 minutes. During that time, the supervising adult doesn’t read a magazine, tend the grill, or doze off. He or she focuses entirely on the kids then passes the “Water Watcher” card to the next adult.
You’ll also want to enroll kids in swim lessons and be sure any pool they’ll be near is fenced and secured. And if you’re looking for a good way to spend time when it’s too hot to go outside, consider taking a CPR class. Both the American Heart Association and the Red Cross host classes throughout Atlanta. What you learn there could help save a life.
At Litner + Deganian, we hope you stay safe this summer, but we’re ready to help if you’re injured as the result of someone else’s negligence. Contact your Druid Hills car accident lawyer for a free consultation at our office, conveniently located in Druid Hills near Emory and Decatur.
