BBQ, Sun & Firework Burns, oh my!
Stay Burn Free This July 4th & all Summer long
Summer is in full effect and its that time where we see more burns visits than ever. With all the outdoor plans ahead of you, we need to make sure to keep you from burning up in more than one way. Now we all know that Fourth of July comes with Sun, BBQ and Fireworks, but at times it also comes along with some serious burns. Here are some tips to stay burn-free this holiday and Summer:
Fun Under The Sun
Enjoying the Summer outdoors should not have to come with a price, especially one that ends in the urgent care. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of protecting yourself and family when out having fun under the sun. Make sure you are prepared with:
- Sunblock
Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water resistant, and provides broad-spectrum coverage
- Apply sunscreen generously before going outdoors.
- Use enough sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen to all bare skin.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours to remain protected, or immediately after swimming or excessively sweating.
For more for more on Sunscreen application, click here
- Wear a wide-brim hat
- Wear tight-woven clothing that blocks out the sun
- Wear UV absorbing shades
- Wear appropriate footwear to avoid blistered toes and feet
Barbecue on cue
Statistics show that approximately 7,000 gas grill fires occur per year. This compares to the 1,200 reported charcoal grill fires. Both grills clearly can cause fires and burns, so you should be careful regardless of the grill type. With that said, here are some tips to remember when grilling:
- Always light your gas grill with the lid open, not closed.
- Be aware of where you place lids, they may be very hot
- Designate someone to keep an eye on the fire
- When cooling down coals, keep lids closed until completely cooled down, if coal needs to be moved prior to cooling down make sure to use hand-held tongs and bury coals in a sand bucket away from any children.
For more on Barbecue burn prevention tips, click here
Fireworks Crackling’
Fourth of July celebrations are just not the same without fireworks, so if you are not heading to a community event and have chosen to have your own fireworks show, then make sure to read up on these tips in keeping you burn free and safe:
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
- Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit
- Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
- It is recommended that sparklers are not given to under-5s
- Make sure everyone handling sparklers wears gloves
- Hold sparklers at arm’s length while being lit
- Don’t wave sparklers about close to other people
- Never hold a baby in your arms while you are holding a sparkler
- When the sparkler has finished put it in a bucket of cold water.
For more on Fireworks Safety, click here
Now that we’ve addressed Medi-Stations burn concerns, go and get your Summer plans started and enjoy a safe Independence Day along friends and family; know that we will be open from 9am to 4:30pm for any immediate medical need. For more on prevention and health, visit us at www.MedistationUrgentcare.com or @MediStationUrgentCare across all Social Media Platforms.