The lazy days of summer are upon us, and what better way to spend them than by heading outdoors, taking in a ball game, having a backyard barbeque with family and friends, and hitting the road for some quality family time.
But don’t let these sunny days and breezy nights fool you. Summer also brings severe weather and other outdoor dangers that could put your family and home at risk. Luckily, with a little planning and a few simple steps, you can become weather-ready and help keep your loved ones safe this summer.
Stay Informed –
Having advance knowledge of impending foul weather is crucial to staying safe.
Practice Makes Perfect –
Formulate a safety plan in case of severe weather and practice drills with your family. For example, if you need to evacuate your area, know where you should go and how to get there safely.
Stock Up – Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your home. Include flashlights with extra batteries, plenty of bottled water, non-perishable food items, and some medical supplies like bandages, gauze, and instant cold ice packs.
Stay Cool – Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening hours to avoid the risk of heat stroke, and make sure to drink plenty of water. Take extra precautions during heat waves.
Seek Shelter – Head indoors at the first sound of thunder or first view of lightning. And whether you’re in a car or on foot, turn around if you encounter flood waters.
Swim Safely – Whether at the beach, lake, or pool, leave the water immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning. If you’re at the beach, know what to do should you get trapped in a rip current. Try to relax and swim parallel to the shoreline until you escape the current’s pull.
Breathe Easy – Check the air quality index before heading outdoors, especially if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues. If the air quality is poor, avoid prolonged times outdoors and extreme exertion.
Here’s another smart safety tip for summer or any other time of year: if you can’t remember the last time you had your water heater professionally serviced, that time is now. The skilled trainers at Eagle Service Company know exactly what to look for, including signs of corrosion that could indicate a gas or carbon monoxide leak. Call today to schedule a water heater performance and safety inspection, and let us put your mind at ease.
