Bug Safety
If you’re planning on spending extended time outside be sure to spray yourself and your kids with insect repellent. A repellent won’t kill insects but it will help prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other bugs. Be conscious of the type of repellent you purchase: some contain DEET and some don’t. If using a repellent with DEET, be sure to use it sparingly on children as a formula containing this can be toxic.Pool safety
According to SafeKids more than 830 kids ages 14 and younger die yearly due to unintentional drowning. This is a scary statistic but these deaths can be prevented. Never leave children unattended in the pool no matter what their ages and swimming capabilities are. Taking other precautionary measures such as installing fencing around pools, at least 5-feet high, all the way around and with a self-closing, self-latching gate, can prevent 50 to 90 percent of accidental drowning incidents. Using personal flotation devices is always suggested.
Food poisoning
Summertime is perfect for picnics and cookouts but with the hot weather this summer has brought always be cautious about the foods you are eating. Food-borne illnesses are caused by bacteria (such as E.coli, Salmonella, Clostridium botulinum, Listeria, Campylobacter and Clostridium perfringens), viruses (such as Norwalk virus), parasites and other toxins. Food-borne illnesses, that can cause flu-like symptoms can be avoided by remembering to keep food items that contain mayonnaise, milk, eggs, meat, poultry and seafood in room temperature for no more than an hour or two. Also keep in mind that raw fruits and vegetables also need to be properly washed and stored.
We hope that you will continue to have fun while taking these simple precautions during the summer season!
Your friends from
Granite United Way
