August 30—As summer comes to a close and Labor Day weekend quickly approaches, Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America wants to help you and your family have a safe and fun weekend celebration.
Before heading out of town, setting up your grill or making plans to hit the water, here are some tips that can help you and your family prevent injuries.
Sun Safety
- Use a sunscreen that is at least 35 SPF and apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Reapply sunscreen regularly if you are spending time in the water or sweating profusely.
- Keep children under one year old out of direct sunlight.
- Use sunscreen when spending extended periods outside, even if it’s cloudy or overcast, as you can still get a sunburn.
Grilling Safety
- Create a safe, well-ventilated area for the grill that includes a no-kid zone.
- Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house, bushes or other flammable materials.
- Never use a match to check for leaks.
- Find leaks by spraying soapy water on gas line connections. If you see water bubbles, there is a leak.
- Never use an accelerant such as gasoline to light a grill, bonfire or debris pile.
- Being careful when using lighter fluid, and do not add fluid on an already lit fire because the flames can flashback into the container and explode.
- Never light a gas grill with the lid closed, as trapped gas or fumes could cause an explosion.
- Wear short sleeves and/or tight-fitting clothing while grilling.
- Use utensils with long handles to stay clear of hot surfaces.
- Always turn off the propane tank valve when not in use.
- Dispose of hot coals properly: Soak with water, then stir and soak again to make sure the fire is out.
Water Safety
- Wear a life jacket if you are on a boat, on a dock or other areas of risk, and only swim within designated swimming areas marked by ropes or buoys.
- Keep an eye on the weather before getting in and while spending time in the water. Be sure to exit the water if there is a storm or lightning approaching.
- Keep your group informed of your whereabouts and create a swimming buddy system.
- Watch out for quick moving water that can impact your swimming or paddling skills.
- Keep an eye on children near water and teach them to always ask permission before going near or in the water.
For more safety tips visit burncenters.com. For more information about Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America or other media inquiries, contact Christy Maraone, VP of Marketing, at [email protected] or 855-863-9595.