07/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2024 11:55
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 forget the basics," 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, there are reports of children or pets left in cars on hot summer days. The best rule of thumb is never leave youngsters or Fido unattended in a hot car. 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.
How to stay safe when extreme heat threatens
Heads up, phones down
With Brookhaven's many parks, trails and "walkable" urban areas, almost everyone can relate to pedestrian safety. SafeKids.orgnotes 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:
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.
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.
For more heat safety tips and resources, visit https://www.weather.gov/heat.
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