Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical

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Summer Safety Tips

These are just a few summer related tips:

Also see our Spring Safety Tips for more tips while enjoying the warming weather.


Barbecue Safety

As of January 1, 2008, new codes prohibit the use and storage of open-flame LP-gas (greater than 1 pound) or the use of charcoal barbecues on combustible (eg. wood products) balconies unless there is a sprinkler overhead.

Fact Sheet: Grilling on Apartment Balconies Prohibited PDF (265 KB)

  1. Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
  2. Locate your portable grill at least 10 feet from combustible walls, overhangs and fences.
  3. Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
  4. Be careful wen using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
  5. Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills
  6. Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
  7. Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
  8. Make sure everyone knows to STOP, DROP and ROLL in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

Bug Safety

  1. Don't use scented soaps or pefumes.
  2. Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
  3. Avoid dressing children in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
  4. To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
  5. Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
  6. Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks, which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
  7. The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10% to over 30%. The benefits of DEET reach a peak at a concentration of 30%, the maximum concentration currently recommended for infants and children. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
  8. The concentration fo DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase.

Water Safety

  1. NEVER SWIM ALONE. Always swim with a grown-up or if you are older, swim with a buddy (in an area supervised by a lifeguard).
  2. Wear a PFD (personal flotation device) when you're on a boat, fishing, or doing water sports.
  3. Learn and practice the water safety rules and listen to the lifeguard - lifeguards are there for your safety.
  4. Stop, look and test before entering lakes and pools. There could be rocks, branches, shallow areas, or other hazards that your're not aware of.
  5. Walk slowly into the water to check things out before jumping.
  6. Remind grown-ups of the importance of four-sided fencing around the pool area with a self-locking gate and keeping a phone nearby in case of emergencies.

Scooters, bikes and skateboards

  1. A helmet must be worn every time you ride a bike, scooter, skateboard or in-line skates. Remember to always fasten the safety strap.
  2. Always ride in safe areas and never at night.
  3. Learn the correct hand signals and use them when you turn or stop.
  4. Come to a complete stop before entering driveways, paths or sidewalks, then look left, right and left again for bikes, cars or people walking your way.

For information on our Wheeled Sports Safety Program, click here: Wheeled Safety Program


Sun Screen

  1. Infants - Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in long pants, long-sleeved shirts and brimmed hats that shade the neck are still the top recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 16 SPF to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.
  2. Young Children - Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, nad use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.
  3. Older Children/Adults -
    • The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses, and cotton clothing with tight weave.
    • Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
    • Use a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or greater.
    • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
    • Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

Heat-Related Illness

  1. Preventing Heat-Related Illness
  2. Stages of Heat-Related Illness
  3. General Care for Heat Emergencies

Preventing Heat-Related Illness

  • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a god idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
  • Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
  • Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
  • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest par part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
  • Stay indoors when possible.
  • Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place. Remember, have fun, but stay cool.

Stages of Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illness usually comes in stages. The signal of the first stage is heat cramps in muscles. These cramps can be very painful. If you are caring for a person who has heat cramps, have him or her stop activity and rest. If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her drink small amounts of cool water or a commercial sports drink. Gently stretch the cramp muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle. Repeat these steps if necessary. If the victim has no other signals of heat-related illness, the person may resume activity after the cramps stop.

The signals of the next, more serious stage of heat-related illness (often called heat exhaustion) include:

  • Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity).
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion.
  • Nausea.
  • The skin may or may not feel hot.

The signals of the late stage of heat-related illness (often called heat stroke) include:

  • Vomiting.
  • Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness.
  • High body temperature.
  • Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.
  • Rapid, weak pulse.
  • Rapid, shallow breathing.

This late stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening. Call 9-1-1.


General Care for Heat Emergencies

  1. Cool the Body
  2. Give Fluids
  3. Minimize Shock

For heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets. Call 9-1-1 if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

For heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1. Move person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them ina cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss.) Watch for singles of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

Information on Heat-Related Illness was provided by the American Red Cross Web Site, www.redcross.org