The Southeastern Utah Health Department wants to remind folks about car and water safety tips during the summer months. Health Promotion Specialist, Kathy Donathan stopped by Castle Country Radio to share some important safety tips.
As temperatures continue to rise during the summer months it’s important for parents/caregivers to remember that the temperatures in a vehicle are a lot hotter. “You can help prevent a tragedy by always looking before you lock. In ten minutes, the temperature in a car can reach 109 degrees, that’s hot enough to kill a child. Heat stroke begins when the core body temperature reaches 104 degrees. If you see a child unattended in a car, act fast to get them out and call 9-1-1,” said Donathan. The child will need to be cooled immediately as their body heats up three to five times faster than an adult.
“It’s important for everyone to understand that children are most vulnerable to heat stroke and all hot car deaths are preventable. We as parents, grandparents, and caregivers, and bystanders play a role in helping to make sure another death doesn’t happen,” said Donathan. Always make it a habit to check your entire vehicle before locking the door and walking way.
Heading to the local swimming pool or lake is a favorite thing to do during the summer months. However, it’s very important to keep some safety precautions in mind while enjoying the water. “Never leave a child alone within the bathtub. When not in use drain kiddy pools and buckets. Enclose pools and hot tubs with self-closing, locking gates. Teach children and teens to always swim with an adult. Everyone, everyone, should wear a life jacket when in open bodies of water, even our old, tough fisherman,” stated Donathan. Other important tips to take to ensure safety around water is to learn CPR and teach children about swimming safety by enrolling them in swimming lessons.
The Southeastern Utah Health Department has many resources to help parents/caregivers with car and water safety just visit their website at https://www.seuhealth.com/