NIAGARA network
Stay Safe
This
Summer
With a Few Timely Reminders
from the Niagara Network
While Mother Nature tries her best to make us believe summer
is a long way off, we hardy Erie folks know better! Before you know
it, motorcycles will be everywhere. People will be riding their bikes,
power scooters, and rollerblades, and flocking to Presque Isle State Park
to soak up the sun, swim and enjoy all the activities that summer has to
offer. Here are a few tips and reminders to help keep you and your loved
ones safe this summer.
USE YOUR HEAD, AND PROTECT IT
Wearing a helmet when you ride a motorcycle,
scooter, bicycle or rollerblades helps to keep your
brain safe. It only takes a few seconds to put one
on and could help you avoid a life altering brain
injury. And remember, the helmet only does its
job if it fits properly and the straps are fastened.
According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute,
a helmet should fit comfortably around your head and be snug, level,
and stable, so that it will stay in place.
Helping People Move Forward with Their Lives.
DON’T FRY
Wear sunscreen when you are outside and
remember to reapply if you are in the water or
exercising. Besides prematurely aging your skin,
overexposure to the sun can cause melanoma and
other skin cancers. The recommended amount of
sunscreen to apply to your face and body is one
ounce, or approximately a handful. Protecting
your skin can be quick and easy and with the invention of spray
sunscreen, it’s easier than ever to apply and kids love it.
REMEMBER THE BUDDY SYSTEM
If you grew up in the 1970’s you might
recall the old YMCA jingle, “There is fun in
the water but there’s danger too.” It was a very
good reminder of the importance of learning
how to swim, and it still is today. Even if you
do know how to swim, you should never swim
alone. Always let someone know that you are going into the water and
never swim at an unguarded beach. Be extra vigilant when it comes to
children around the beach or swimming pools.
DON’T GO BATTY
Imagine finding a bat in your room. Other than
screaming, your next thought is to get that critter
out of the house. Scream all you want, but do not
get the bat out of your house. According to the
Pennsylvania Department of Health, a person
with a scratch or bite from a bat should receive
a preventive vaccine and rabies shots. Potential
exposure includes presence of a bat in a room with a small, unattended
child, a mentally disabled or impaired person, or a person who has been
sleeping. There is no need for rabies shots if the bat can be caught and
is tested negative for the rabies virus, so save that bat and contact the
Department of Health at 814.451.6711.
STOP BUGGING ME
Ticks and mosquitos are small nuisances.
However, we know that they also carry diseases.
Protection against bites is important. Avoid
wooded and brushy areas with high grass. Walk
in the center of trails. Use repellents that contain
20-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Use
products that hav