Stay safe in the summer heat

Brookhaven, GA, June 18, 2021 -- The first day of summer is this Sunday, June 20, but already we are seeing sweltering summer temperatures in spring. As temperatures go up, don’t let your guard down when it comes to summer safety.

Sgt. Matthew Murray, City of Brookhaven Emergency Management Coordinator, has gathered some timely safety tips to keep in mind as you navigate this year’s summer season. “Sometimes we get so tuned in to having a good time that it’s easy to let our guard down,” said Murray. “All it takes is just a brief careless moment to change our focus and put our safety or the safety of others at risk.”

Beat the heat

Every year, stories make the news about children or pets left in cars on hot summer days. The best rule of thumb is never leave youngsters or Fido in a hot car unattended. Heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke due to exposure to excessive heat are often unnoticed as they are happening. These can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage or worse. Most vulnerable are infants or young children, the elderly, athletes or pets.

• For heatstroke victims, spray with water and fan vigorously, move them to a half-sitting position and call emergency medical help immediately.
• For someone suffering from heat exhaustion, move them to a shaded area, give them water or a cool beverage and apply wet towels or have them take a cool shower.
• Limit exposure outdoors on very hot days.

How to stay safe when extreme heat threatens

• Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
• Keep your home cool by covering windows with drapes or shades; weather-strip doors and windows; use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use attic fans to clear hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.

Heads up, phones down

With Brookhaven’s many parks, trails and “walkable” urban areas, almost everyone can relate to pedestrian safety. SafeKids.org notes that pedestrian-vehicle injuries are the fifth leading cause of death for children ages 5-19, but no age group is immune to this danger. Here are a few tips for children and adults of all ages:

• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Be aware of drivers even when you’re in a crosswalk…vehicles have blind spots.
• Never use a cell phone or other electronic device while walking, not just in crosswalks or intersections. Remain aware of your surroundings.
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing.

Live to ride another day

Biking is one of the best ways to get exercise, stay in shape, see the sights and reduce pollution. Bikers need to take extra caution when riding. They share the road with vehicles, creating the potential for a host of hazards.

• Become acquainted with traffic laws; cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists.
• Ride single file in the direction of traffic and watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
• Make sure your bike is equipped with reflectors, a horn or bell and a rear-view mirror.

Splish-splashing for summer fun

According to the National Safety Council, on average, nine people die from drowning every day in the United States. Teens and young adults sometimes become so focused on having fun in a water feature that they forget some of the basic swimming rules.

• Don’t go into the water unless you know how to swim. Never swim alone if possible.
• Learn CPR and rescue techniques
• Don’t push or jump on others or dive in unfamiliar areas.

For more heat safety tips and resources, visit https://www.weather.gov/heat and https://ready.ga.gov/be-informed/extreme-heat/ .

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