As the summer season begins, it can be a good idea to take some common-sense
safety precautions,
whatever your summer plans entail. City agencies offer a
number of useful suggestions about how to protect yourself and your loved ones
from a variety of seasonal hazards. Many are contained in a downloadable
brochure, Ready
New York: Beat the Heat. But individual city agencies also offer tips
on how to stay healthy this summer. Read on for helpful tips from NYC agencies.
Safety Tips
The city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) offers Summer
Safety Tips on, among other things, safe food preparation and protection
against West Nile Virus.
The city Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides information
about the hottest days of summer, including heat-beating
tips. During a heat wave, the city opens cooling centers
throughout the five boroughs, typically in senior centers. The city Department
for the Aging (DFTA) also provides a list of Hot
Weather Preparedness Tips for Seniors.
This year, DFTA and DOHMH are promoting a program where seniors (60 +) without airconditioning and who meet the income eligibility criteria for HEAP can apply (through their doctor) for a free air conditioner. Find out more about the program here.
To avoid heat-related illness, it's important to drink
plenty of water or liquids with electrolytes. People with heart, kidney
or liver disease or on a fluid-restricted diet should check with their doctor
on increasing fluid intake.
FDNY Tips
If you'll be
spending a lot of time outdoors, the New York Fire Department (FDNY) offers
common-sense suggestions and tips on what to
tell kids about keeping safe around traffic.
What's the Most Common Summer Safety Hazard?
At the top of the list is overexposure to the sun,
which may lead to sunburn and skin cancer. The American Cancer Society (read their skin
cancer facts) recommends that you wear sunscreen with a sun protection
factor of at least 15, and apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before
going outdoors and every two hours thereafter.
More Summer Safety Information
- Swimming pools and beaches: Closely monitor children. Before they learn to swim, fit children with floatation devices, which will help their heads stay above water. Teach children swimming safety rules, including not running near pools and not diving in water less than five feet in depth.
- Bites and stings: Usually they're harmless. But for people who are
allergic, bites and stings may cause anaphylactic shock, which is potentially
deadly. Treat it as a medical emergency. DOHMH provides additional online information about
stinging insects and anaphylactic shock. In wooded areas, wear long
sleeves and pants to prevent tick bites. Many types of ticks spread Lyme Disease.
- Travel: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
estimates that 40 percent of off-the-road car crashes are due to driver
distractions. This includes reading, eating and cell phone use. Stay focused
and be aware of drivers and surrounding conditions. Always wear a seatbelt.
Insist that your passengers do, too.
- Bicycles: Make sure your bicycle is the correct size for your height and
weight. Always wear a helmet, and make sure it fits. At night, use a bike light
and wear light-colored clothes.
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