Published in The BANAR June 2019 by Don Kelly
Once again, blue skies and the warmth of summer will be upon us. While warm temperatures may mean the arrival of mosquitoes and black flies this time of the year may also mean new potential hazards for you and your family. Here are few areas where special safety precautions must be exercised.
Be Safe in the Sun Throughout the summer we are bombarded with high ultraviolet (UV) rays that come from the sun. UVA rays represent 5-10% of these rays and affect the inner layers of our skin. UVA rays are a main cause of wrinkles and may also affect the immune system. UVB rays represent 90-95% of these rays and affect the outer layers of your skin. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. So, what can you do? You can take these steps to minimize the affects of UVA and UVB rays: apply sunscreen (with minimum SPF 30 protection) on a regular basis, wear protective clothing, avoid the direct sun in the heat of the day, and wear sunglasses for eye protection.
Playground Safety Summer means children will want to play. According to a national injury organization some 28,000 children are injured on playgrounds across Canada every year. Most injuries at playgrounds are caused by falls and many often leading to fractures (35%). Swings and slides are a major area where accidents occur. So, what can you do? Check out the playground before you allow your children to play there. Check the slide to ensure that the slide is secure and there is nothing to snag clothing on. Ensure small children use the bucket swings, not half seats where they might fall off.
Home safety Police stats show that burglaries happen less frequent (11%) in winter than in summer. These same stats show that 65 % of burglaries happen between 6 am and 6 pm while most occur between 10 am and 3 pm. Thirty percent of burglaries occur through unlocked doors and windows. So, what can you do? Ensure your doors and windows are closed and locked when not at home. You can also look at installing an alarm or security system. If taking a vacation ask a neighbor to park his/her car in the driveway and pick up any mail. An over flowing mailbox is a sure sign no one is home. Look at leaving some lights on with a timer, maybe even a radio on! Above all do not advertise your vacation plans on social media. It could be an invitation to unwelcomed stranger.