It is that time of year again when state and local officials in Texas go the extra mile to remind families about safety during the summer season. One of the biggest concerns under normal circumstances is the heat. Texas can get awfully hot during the summer. But this year, coronavirus has added an extra twist to safety messages.
Of course, officials are reminding parents and children alike to practice social distancing in public places. That includes parks, many of which just opened recently. We are all being reminded to wash our hands more frequently, cover our faces with masks, clean surfaces frequently, etc.
It is likely that Texas families will spend more time at home this summer due to coronavirus restrictions. With that in mind, safety at home is more important this summer than it might have been last year.
Protection Against the Sun
The city of El Paso has published its own list of summer safety tips that serves as a great reminder to families throughout the state. Many of their tips relate to sun exposure and summer heat. For example, the city encourages people to learn how to recognize the symptoms of a number of heat and sun-related conditions, including:
- heat rash
- heat exhaustion
- heat stroke
- sunburn.
To avoid injury, it is recommended that families limit exposure to the sun during peak hours. When outdoors, wear light-colored, lightweight clothing that fits loosely and allows the body to breathe. Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are indispensable when spending time outdoors. And of course, drink plenty of water.
Families with Pools
The summer months offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy that backyard swimming pool. But as Vivint Smart Home points out, accidental drowning is a leading cause of death among children up to age 4. Among their list of summer home safety tips is one that encourages parents to always know where their children are if there is a swimming pool on the property.
It is a good idea to never let children around the pool area unsupervised, let alone swim. Swimming pools should be guarded by fences and pool alarms too. Note that in some states and municipalities, one or both are required by law.
Working Outdoors
El Paso guidelines address working outdoors, at least as it relates to safety at home. They recommend saving all outdoor work for the morning or evening hours. This generally means not doing yard work and the like between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM.
Standard sun protection is advisable. Even in the morning and evening hours it is a good idea to protect yourself with proper clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and sunblock.
If your job has you working outdoors, you may not have a choice but to be out during the heat of the day. Utilize all the same safety precautions including wearing proper clothing and drinking plenty of water. If you start feeling ill, get out of the heat immediately. If you do not start feeling better, get to a hospital or call for help.
Summer Safety for Pets
Finally, our pets are just as susceptible to the heat and sun. Pets should be brought indoors during the hottest parts of the day. They also need plenty of water, just like humans. Whatever you do, don’t leave your pets tied up outside during the day unless there is a cool, shady place for them to rest, with plenty of water available.
Summer is just about here. It is going to get hot and sunny in the Lone Star State, so let us all be safe – especially at home.
