Release Date: June 30, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Have a Safe and Injury-free July Fourth
Metro Health warns of hazards associated with holiday activities
and provides injury prevention tips
July 4th is just a few days away and as residents and visitors start gearing up for holiday fun, San Antonio’s public health team advises them to celebrate safely by making injury prevention a priority.
Having a safe Independence holiday will require a little planning and caution, especially with this summer’s above-normal temperatures. The following safety tips are advised for anyone scheduling outdoor activities during this holiday weekend:
Drink plenty of water instead of alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration, while water rehydrates the body.
Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing. Dark colors attract heat while light colors reflect it.
Use umbrellas, sunscreen and hats to protect your skin.
Avoid spending long periods of time outdoors. Be extremely cautious during the hottest part of the day.
Check frequently on babies, young children, and the elderly. Don’t let them nap outdoors in the heat.
Don’t overlook pets. Provide them water and shading, realizing shaded areas change as the day progresses and the sun moves.
Holiday revelers seeking relief from the heat in the water are warned to be aware of drowning dangers and recreational water illness. According to the Medical Examiner’s Office, there have been seven drowning deaths in Bexar County this year compared to 16 in 2008. Heeding the advice below could prevent additional tragedies.
Consistently supervise youngsters and those who are not experienced swimmers. Drownings are often silent and can occur in less than two minutes.
Never swim alone, even if you are an experienced swimmer. Use the buddy system.
Be sure to maintain pools properly with the right chlorination, depth markings and safety equipment.
Avoid drinking alcohol and swimming, especially if you are supervising children. And, remember that drinking and driving is illegal.
Avoid swimming in stagnant or slow-moving waters. They can contain harmful bacteria and other organisms that may lead to serious, and even fatal, illness.
Practice good hygiene by taking a shower before and after swimming.
Do not swallow water in the pool and avoid getting it in your mouth.
Another area of concern is food safety since the Fourth of July is often a time of celebration with barbecues or picnics. These tips can help prevent food borne illness:
Cook meat, poultry and seafood thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to be sure your grilled meats are done. For example, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Avoid cross-contamination. Wash your hands, utensils and cutting boards after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry and before they touch another food.
Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature and outdoors. Keep items such as potato salad, beans, and cole slaw in appropriate warming or chilling trays. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Wash all produce, including fruit, thoroughly.
And, finally, residents and visitors to San Antonio are reminded that fireworks are illegal inside the City limits. Due to a disaster declaration by Bexar County, the use of fireworks is also prohibited within the County with the exception of eight designated sites. Click here for a map of the sites.
Anyone visiting these zones should be cautious of the dangers of fireworks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, eleven people died and an estimated 9,800 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. in 2007. Children under the age of 15 accounted for 42% of the injuries.
Click on the topic for more information about food safety, heat tips or pool safety.
