Red Cross encourages safety this summer

[June 26, 2014]  CENTRAL ILLINOIS - With schools across central Illinois out for the summer, many families and individuals are starting to enjoy summer fun. The Red Cross warns that while summer can be an exciting time of the year, you must also try to prevent and prepare for emergencies.

Heat safety tips to avoid heat related emergencies.

• Wear light-weight, light colored clothing
  Be sure to apply sunscreen before and during outdoor activities
• Stay well hydrated by drinking water
  Be sure that your pet has a constant source of shade and access to water
• Limit strenuous activity to the coolest part of the day.
• Check on your elderly neighbors who are more susceptible to heat related illness.

Water safety tips

• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Know local weather conditions. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming, boating or any activities on the water as soon as you see or hear a storm. Also, heavy rains can make certain areas dangerous.

Be prepared for potential emergencies.

• Download the Red Cross Tornado app to your iPhone or DROID to ensure you are updated of potential severe weather.
• Download the Red Cross First Aid app to have information at your fingertips about how to respond to a first aid emergency.
• Assemble a disaster kit for your home. The Red Cross recommends that you have enough food, water, and supplies for at least 72 hours.

[Text received; ERIN MILLER, AMERICAN RED CROSS - CENTRAL ILLINOIS REGION]