June is National Safety Month. These steps will help you maintain your personal safety and prepare for a possible emergency:
- Wear sunscreen. The best way to prevent sunburn is to wear SPF 30 or better sunscreen. Remember, even mild sun exposure can lead to skin cancer over time.
- Stay hydrated. The average adult should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Individuals who are physically active or who take medications that dehydrate may need more fluid.
- Exercise safely. Make sure you have proper safety gear and reliable equipment before you (or your kids) engage in a favorite exercise routine or sports activity.
- Repair safety hazards. If there is a safety hazard in your home or yard, have it fixed or call your landlord. Keep the hazard area blocked off to prevent injury.
- Practice water safety. Keep track of small children near a pool or natural body of water. Avoid drinking while swimming or boating and have life vests and other safety equipment on hand.
- Take a CPR class. Your local hospital or Red Cross is a good place to learn this lifesaving skill.
- Dispose of old medications safely. Do not flush old medications or throw them in the trash. Use medication disposal drop-off locations in your community.
- Hold weather or fire safety drills. Practice the fastest routes to safety in case of a fire or weather emergency. In addition, create a communication plan that tells your family what to do and where to meet if they are away from home when a disaster hits.
- Assemble a disaster kit. Key items include medications, first aid supplies, bottled water, non-perishable food, and emergency cash. Tailor the kit’s contents to your needs.
