7 Deadly Summer Sins To Avoid

Summer time is here! Summer should be a time for family fun, exciting adventures, and making memories that will last a lifetime. To ensure you remember this summer for the right reasons, avoid the seven deadly sins of summer.

1) Heat Exhaustion

During the summer, we look forward to outdoor activities. In many areas, the temperature can become dangerous quickly. Even in comparatively mild weather, there are some things you should do to keep your family safe. If you’re playing outdoors, make sure everyone stays well hydrated. Water and sports drinks are a must. You should also know how to treat heat exhaustion in an emergency.

If someone becomes dizzy, stops sweating, or passes out, you should immediately get them into the shade or indoors. Lay them on their back and lay cool rags on their neck, chest, arms, and face. If the person loses consciousness or appears to be in distress, call 911!

2) Dehydration

Speaking of heat exhaustion, you should also avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of water and hydrate before you go out in the heat. Try to drink about sixteen ounces of water before you leave your house and avoid soft drinks.

3) Getting Sunburned

Sunburns are uncomfortable, but they can also be deadly. When your skin cells become damaged from U/V rays, you can develop skin cancer. Always put sunblock on at least fifteen minutes before you go out and remember to reapply! If the SPF level is 30, that means you should reapply every 30 minutes.

4) Drownings

Sometimes we take water safety for granted, especially as adults. Remember that even big, strong adults can be sucked under a current. You should never combine alcohol with swimming trips, and children should be supervised at all times, never further than an arm’s length away from an adult.

5) Drinking and Driving

Summer is an excellent time for barbecues and picnics. If you’ll be consuming alcohol this summer, designate a sober driver! There’s not a safe drink limit when it comes to driving. If you are afraid you may drive drunk, give up your keys early!

6) Getting Separated

Family trips are excellent, but you may want to talk to your children about crowd safety. Make sure your kids know your full name and phone number. For toddlers, you may even consider making a safety t-shirt with your information! They should know to look for an adult in uniform if they happen to get lost.

7) Hot Cars

Hot cars are a death sentence for animals and young children. In seconds, the heat inside a car can become fatal. Check the back seat before you leave your vehicle! What if you leave the engine on and the air conditioning running? It’s still not okay. Air conditioning does not perform as well when the car is idling as it does when it is moving, not to mention anyone could take off with your kids! Use your best judgement this summer! You are the protector of your family. Slather them in sunscreen and keep them hydrated. Most of all, have fun with them this summer! These days don’t last forever.

Anthony is an avid blogger from Tulsa, Oklahoma who is passionate about encouraging safety in the Tulsa community while working with the Gorospe & Smith Tulsa Personal Injury Lawyer Firm.