This is the first of two columns with information from Public Safety Canada.
Summer is a time for family road trips, outdoor fun in the sun and hopefully lots of great weather. Below are some simple reminders to prepare for safe summer days- Stay cool in the heat: Keep cool and hydrated and minimize your time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Drink plenty of water, find shade, visit cool buildings, slow down, bathe in cool water and wear light-coloured clothing. Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle. When the outside air temperature is 23°C/73°F, the temperature inside a vehicle can be extremely dangerous – more than 50°C/122°F. Find tips on sun safety at www.canada.ca .
Wear the right helmet: Everyone is encouraged to wear a helmet when cycling, inline skating and skateboarding. The additional cushioning in a helmet could save your life. In bicycle mishaps, the forehead usually makes first contact with the ground. With skateboarding, falls are more common and helmets are specifically designed to protect more of the back of the head. Unlike bicycle helmets, skateboard headgear is also designed to protect against multiple falls, whereas bicycle helmets should be replaced after one crash. Visit the canadasafetycouncil.org/ for more info.
While the seniors reading this column might not be skateboarding, their grandchildren likely are engaging in this activity. Now you have a conversation topic next time you see them.
When thunder roars, go indoors: Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder. If you can hear thunder, you can get hit by lightning. Take shelter immediately in a sturdy, fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing. If no solid building is available, you can take shelter in a metal-roofed vehicle. Read more about summer weather at this site www.canada.ca
Stay safe while camping: If strong winds, hail or a tornado is developing while you are camping in a tent or tent-trailer, move to the closest building or a hard-topped vehicle. Make every effort to get to a suitable shelter. If no shelter is available, seek refuge deep in a thick stand of trees in the lowest-lying area.
Environment Canada has more summer weather safety tips. On Aug. 18 we will include more safety tips from Public Safety Canada. If you haven’t already done so, sign up for the Aug 25 curbside meal offered by Community Care.
For $18 you will receive a scrumptious meal of soup, main course and dessert prepared by Wheelhouse & Occasions Catering. Call the office at 613-476-7493.
-Debbie Moynes MacDonald