EMS Safety Tips for Everyday People
Spring / Summer
Stay Hydrated and Cool:
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and low-sugar sports drinks, to avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Replenish electrolytes lost through sweat with sports drinks or snacks.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that allows for heat dissipation.
Seek out air-conditioned areas whenever possible, even if it's just for a few hours.
Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
Schedule outdoor activities during cooler hours, like early mornings or evenings.
Utilize cooling towels or vests to help manage body heat.
Practice Outdoor Safety:
Use insect repellent to protect against mosquito and tick bites.
Wear appropriate clothing to minimize skin exposure to insects and sun.
Be cautious during outdoor activities, especially around water and with power tools.
Wear helmets and safety gear when engaging in activities like biking.
We All In This Togather:
Check on elderly friends and neighbors who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Educate the public on how to prevent summer emergencies.
Support loved ones' mental health by encouraging healthy habits and offering assistance.
When grilling, remember to check your grill for leaks and other hazards prior to use. Your grill should be in a safe place. Grills should never be used indoors and should be placed 10 feet away from any building. If a grill is on an upstairs balcony or deck, make sure there is an exterior stairway in case of a fire. Keep children away from the grill and don’t leave a hot grill unattended. Anyone not involved in cooking should be at least three feet away from the grill. Open the gas grill cover before using igniter. The gas can build up under the cover and cause an explosion. Make sure the cover is off the grill when using the igniter. Do not use gasoline on any grill. Fires caused by gasoline are major sources of burns.
Severe weather can be common in the Northeast during the summer. The heat and humidity bring unexpected thunderstorms, often accompanied by high winds. Follow these simple guidelines to keep you and your family safe during weather events:
Make a family plan for severe weather. Decide on a check-in strategy if severe weather hits, so every family member is accounted for.
Keep a weather app on your phone or a battery-operated weather radio. If you’re headed on a road trip, check the forecast for the day and follow severe storms so you can stay out of the storm’s path.
Be flexible if the forecast is bad. Consider changing your plans if you see severe weather coming. If you do venture out, keep a close watch on the weather.
Seek shelter immediately in the event of lightning or a tornado warning. Know where the local shelters are in your area, so that you can seek shelter should the storm cause major damage.
Essential Boater Safety Facts:
A well-fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket should be worn by everyone on board, at all times while boating.
Alcohol consumption is a major contributing factor in boating accidents. Avoid drinking while boating.
Check the marine weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions on the water.
Familiarize yourself with navigation rules to avoid collisions and other accidents.
Regularly inspect and maintain your boat to ensure it's in good working condition.
Have a float plan, flares, a first-aid kit, and other necessary safety equipment on board.
Operator inexperience is a leading cause of boating accidents. Consider taking a boating safety course which is now required in NYS,to learn the fundamentals of safe boat operation.
Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially in enclosed spaces, and take precautions to prevent it.
