For many of us, summer means fun in the sun and the great outdoors. Summer is also a time of year when people are most likely to be injured. These facts and safety tips can help keep your summer fun, enjoyable, and safe:

  • Each year, 80,000 Americans require hospital treatment for lawn mower accidents. The majority of those accidents are associated with children under the age of 15 and adults over the age of 60. The most common injuries are strikes by debris that is picked up and thrown by the mower’s spinning blades. If the lawn has angles or hills, use a walk-behind mower across the slopes and a riding mower up and down. Never drive across the slope or use a walk-behind mower up and down.
  • Use care with gas grills. When cooking outside with a gas grill, check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects or food grease. Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. If there happens to be a leak, immediately turn off the gas tank and do not attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.
  • Each year, more than 800 children ages 14 and under die as a result of unintentional drowning. If you have a pool, know that four-sided isolation fencing pools prevent 50 percent to 90 percent of childhood drownings and near-drownings. Door alarms, pool alarms, and automatic pool covers add extra protection when used properly.
  • Protect yourself and children from the sun. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply often. Also, use sunscreen with a sun protectant factor (SPF) of at least 15. The best protection is a combination of sunscreen and protective clothing, including hats, sunglasses, and loose fitted clothing.