Kiwis love summer! Whether it’s because it presents the perfect opportunity for the annual getaway or because of the additional amount of sunshine on these deliciously long days, it is truly the season to be jolly. But we need to be careful and take care of one another. From heat-related illnesses to burns and drownings, summer events present all kinds of safety hazards.
Water safety
This year alone New Zealand has had 67 deaths from preventable drownings, which is slightly up on last year. Water safety NZ invests $1.66 million into water safety education and are doing everything they can to get this number down. Local news stories invariably quote parents as saying they only looked away for a moment. But sadly, that’s all it takes. Don’t depend on a lifeguard or anyone else and don’t become distracted. Can everyone in your household swim? Local pools offer swimming lessons from 6 months and up. You’re never too old to learn, especially in our part of the Country, we are within stone’s throw of rivers, streams, the sea and lakes. Not to mention untold amounts of swimming pools. Here are a couple of additional tips:
- Never swim alone
- Should you get caught in a current, remain calm and don’t fight against it. Float with it or swim parallel to the shore.
- Alcohol and swimming don’t mix.
- Check the depth before diving on it.
Be Sun Smart
Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap this summer.
- SLIP into a long sleeved shirt or the shade
- SLOP on broad spectrum sunscreen
- SLAP on a hat or wide brimmed cap
- WRAP on a pair of sunglasses.
Waterproof sunscreen is fantastic, knowing you are preventing burns while enjoying some much needed cooling off time in the pool or sea. It’s important to re-apply your sunscreen after you get out. If you do find you have become a little red you can purchase some cooling products from the chemist or local supermarket to relieve the heat. You should seek medical advice if you are badly sunburnt or feel faint, dehydrated or have blistering.
If your heading to the beach this summer for a good old fashioned picnic. Pack a decent sized umbrella to keep you out of the sun. You might plan on having that picnic spot under the trees, but if someone else has gotten in first you’re left out in the open. Keeping one in the boot of the car is great for those ‘just in case’ moments and impromptu fish and chip’s at the beach.
Summer safety for your pet
Hot Cars Kill – On these glorious hot days the inside of your car can reach temperatures of 39 degrees very quickly, even parked in the shade with the windows slightly open and only 30 degrees outside. Our four legged friends rely on panting to cool down and panting alone is not enough to keep their temperatures in check at these heats. A dog can only handle a body temperature of 41 degrees for a very short time before suffering irreversible brain damage and eventually death. Before you head out, think, can your dog come with you where you are going or should they sit this trip out and stay at home.
Shelter for your Pet
Does your much loved pet have enough places to keep out of the sun during the day, especially the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. Animals get sun burnt too. Vet clinics can help you with sunblock for your pet to keep noses and ears protected too.
Water for your Pet
Make sure your pet has enough drinking water to get through the day, taking into account some days they are thirstier than others just like us. It might be a good idea to have two sources for them to drink from.
Walking your Pet
Try to take your pet for walks in the morning or evening when it is coolest. The pads of the paws can burn on the pavement and be incredibly painful or need the vet’s attention. Place the palm of your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds, if it’s too hot for your hand to handle, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
BBQ safety
Summertime and BBQ’s go hand in hand, Kiwis just love to cook in the outdoors. Keep your face away while igniting your BBQ and keep your eyebrows where they belong, on your face. If you are unlucky enough to receive a burn remember to place it under cool running water for between 10-15 minutes or until the pain eases. Follows these tips to keep your family and your home safe during the summer BBQ season:
- Place the grill at least 3 meters away from the house and other structures (take into account umbrellas on picnic tables ect).
- Keep both a spray bottle of water and a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never turn on the gas while the lid is closed.
- Never leave the BBQ unattended
- Never use indoors
- Don’t allow children and pets to play near the BBQ.
Protecting yourself, your family and your pets during the long, lazy days of summer is easy if you’re prepared. Let’s all have a wonderful and safe time.
Brent Palmer – Professional Real Estate Consultant
About the Author: The above article on Being Safe this Summer was written and provided by Brent Palmer, a local leader in the field of Richmond and Nelson Real Estate sales, marketing, advanced technology for home selling, and social media. You can contact Brent Palmer here, or at 027 544 9921.
He has helped many people buy and sell homes in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Thinking of selling your home? I have a real passion for helping people sell their homes in our Nelson and Tasman Region, as well as the marketing, social media & advanced technology for home selling that goes along with it. I’d love to have the opportunity to sit down with you discuss how we can work together to get you the best price.
I help people buy and sell real estate in the following Nelson and Tasman towns & neighbourhoods: Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, Appleby, Redwood Valley, Mapua, Stoke, Tahunanui, Atawhai and of course, Richmond and Nelson City. Connect with Brent on Facebook and pretty much everywhere else.
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