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September 3, 2010

Northwest Georgia Chapter of the Red Cross wants you to end summer safely

People across the nation are planning grand ways to say their goodbyes to summer. Before you pack up and head out to the beach or the pool one last time, the Northwest Georgia Chapter of the Red Cross asks that you take a moment to ensure you’re heading in a safe direction.

“With summer ending and school starting, people have a lot of planning going on right now,” said Jeffrey Putnam, Emergency Services director of the Northwest Georgia Red Cross. “We don’t want people to ever forget that their safety — and that of their loved ones — has to be their number one priority.”

Among the concerns revelers need to watch for this holiday are crowded roadways. AAA estimates the recent drop in gas prices means some 34.4 million people will be driving to their vacation destination.

Whether you are sticking close to home or off on an excursion, remember, accidents can often be avoided through careful preparation. Here are a few precautions to keep in mind:

• Keep a kit within reach. You should always have a first aid kit in your home, by the pool, packed with your beach gear and in your car. To make sure your kit has all the necessities, log on to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

• You’re ready, but is your car? Don’t wait for a rattle or a warning light to find out your car isn’t up for the trip. Be sure to have brakes, tires, oil and fluids checked before taking to the roadways.

• Don’t keep your plans to yourself. It’s important to share your travel plans with family and friends. Let them know the dates you plan to travel and the location where you’re staying. Always share contact numbers in case of an emergency.

• Play it safe under the sun. The sun is just as hot on Labor Day as it was Fourth of July, so you’ll need to take the same precautions. Always wear sunscreen when outdoors. Make sure everyone wears a hat to shield direct sunlight. Keep enough water or juice for everyone to drink continuously throughout the day. Drink fluids even when you’re not thirsty.

• Enjoy water the safe way. Now is not the time to forget about the rules for water safety. Remember: never swim alone, only swim in supervised areas, enter water feet first, and don’t mix alcohol with swimming or boating.

Whether your plans have you hitching, camping, going to the water park or backyard barbecues, the Red Cross has tips on how to enjoy your holiday safely. You can find more safety tips by contacting the Northwest Georgia Chapter at (706) 278-5144 or log on to www.nwgaredcross.org for more information.  

 

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