For many people, summer is the best time of the year. School is out, friends are around every day, and the hot weather allows for all kinds of fun outdoor activities. Unfortunately, more and more people out and about also means an increase in accident injuries. To help you and your family stay safe, the Las Vegas injury lawyers at The Paul Powell Law Firm offer this guide on how to prevent summer injuries.
8 Things You Can Do to Avoid Summer Injuries
Although it’s unfortunate that summer introduces opportunities for injury, the good news is that the majority of accidents can be avoided through simple safety measures. After decades of successfully representing Las Vegas injury victims, our team of Nevada attorneys have learned many things from the accidents our clients have been involved in. Here’s what our personal injury lawyers suggest.
Keep a Close Eye on the Kids Around the Pool
Drowning is a leading cause of death in children under 14, and a majority of those deaths occur during summer months. Local laws call for fencing off swimming pool areas. Teach children to know that they are not allowed inside a pool area without an adult present. If kids are playing in or around a pool, they need a sober adult’s undivided attention and supervision. It only takes a few seconds for an accident in a pool to result in a catastrophic injury.
Pace Yourself and Keep Hydrated
Dehydration is a huge concern during summer in Las Vegas. The high temperatures and arid climate combine to drain water from your body. This can lead to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day in order to prevent dehydration. The typical eight glasses of water may not be enough during the summer, so constant sipping is suggested. Also, note that alcoholic beverages and highly-caffeinated drinks can actually contribute to dehydration instead of replenishing your body’s fluid levels.
Gear up for Summer Activities
Summer is a fantastic time for outdoor bicycle rides, skateboarding, outdoor sports, and other thrilling activities. If you’re engaging in such activities, then make sure that your equipment is in good condition, fits well, and is worn correctly. Know your sport and wear the appropriate safety gear, such as helmets, life vests, and mouth, wrist, elbow, or knee guards. Using the right gear can help you avoid or limit the impact of bicycle injuries, broken bones, slips, trips, and falls, and other summer injuries.
Practice Sun Protection
Sunscreen, shade, hats, and protective clothing are the tools needed to avoid painful sunburns. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet radiation. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it liberally 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply at least every two hours. Note that the sun typically peaks between 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. during the summer, while peak temperatures are usually after that since the ground absorbs heat.
Keep Foods Cold
During the summer, salmonella is especially problematic. Dairy products, as well as egg dishes, can be breeding grounds for salmonella. Do not let food sit out for more than two hours, and on a hot day that is 90°F or higher, reduce this time by an hour. Place all perishable items in a cooler or insulated bag and ice it down.
Fend off Creatures
Bugs, bees, scorpions, snakes, and other pesky creatures can disrupt a picnic, hike, or sporting event. Mosquitoes carry dangerous viruses like Zika, West Nile virus, and ticks are known for Lyme disease. Although mosquitoes aren’t usually a problem in Nevada, more and more have been appearing in recent years, especially around swimming pools, lakes, and sprinklers. Wear protective clothing when visiting areas where such pests are common. Insect repellents are safe and are recommended for kids as young as six months.
If you encounter a bee sting, remove the stinger from the skin as quickly as possible. Use tweezers, a credit card, or anything with a firm edge to swipe and pop the stinger out. See a doctor if a rash develops or any other symptoms develop following a bee sting. Be especially careful with strings in areas that restrict breathing. If a family member or friend is allergic to bees, then be sure to have an EpiPen handy.
Be Careful Driving at Night
Tourism is high during summer in Las Vegas, with many visitors unfamiliar with local roads. Even worse, drunk driving car accidents increase in the warmer summer months. If you cannot avoid sharing the road with inebriated drivers, then take extra caution when driving, especially at night. Increased police presence and checkpoints are not enough to deter the most reckless offenders, so always keep an eye on other vehicles.
Avoid Unfamiliar Areas
Vacation goers are often prime targets for criminals in Las Vegas. They are in unfamiliar locations, often carrying cash, and usually distracted and not completely in tune with their surroundings. All kinds of crimes increase during summers, some say because of increased daylight, traveling strangers, teenagers being out of school with too much free time, or homes lying empty while folks are away on vacation. Additionally, higher summer temperatures and more interaction with people brings on short tempers.
Contact a Las Vegas Injury Lawyer
The Paul Powell Law Firm hopes that you found this guide on avoiding summer injuries useful. Please share it with your family and friends to increase their safety. Should you suffer summer injuries in an accident caused by another party, then contact us for immediate assistance. Our experienced Nevada injury attorneys have extensive experience winning full compensation for injury victims.
The Paul Powell Law Firm is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to discuss your injury claim and to schedule your free consultation. You can reach us by phone at (702) 728-5500 or visit our Las Vegas office. Contact us today to make sure that you get the settlement that you deserve.