Basic Center: Educate shelter youth about common summer hazards, including stranger danger, water safety, poison ivy and bug identification. Transitional Living: Educate youth regarding summer safety tips and awareness. Provide youth with water, sunscreen, hats, bug spray and sunglasses. Street Outreach: Hand out summer safety information. Provide summer safety kits, including water, sunscreen, bug spray, hats and sunglasses. Have summer safety kits available at drop in centers. *Press release template available for download on the Agency Support Center.
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Summer Safety Awareness Month
Summer is generally thought of as a time of fun in the sun. Late nights with friends, swimming, and other pursuits may seem like harmless entertainment, but there are dangers involved in many common summer activities. Keep summer fun for everyone by educating the teens in your life about these summer safety facts and tips.
Facts & Stats - During the summer, teen alcohol consumption and substance abuse rises by over 70%, the rate of traffic accidents involving teens is higher by 40%, and the rate of teen fatalities on the road rises dramatically, particularly late at night.
- In 2009, more teens died in the months of July & August than any other month of the year. In the same year, 17% of driving related teen fatalities occurred between 9 pm and midnight and 26% occurred between midnight and 6 am.
- There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. All sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.
- UV 30 sunscreen is not twice as strong as UV 15. UV 15 provides 93% protection while UV 30 provides 97% protection.
- Skin color and pigment have nothing to do with burning. Anyone, regardless of skin color, can burn.
TIPS Basic Protection: - Wear sunscreen any time you are outside for an extended period of time, even when it's cloudy. Be sure to reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Stay in the shade when possible; avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10am-4pm).
- Cover up! Wear a hat with the bill facing forward, sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
- Always use insect repellent; many insects, such as mosquitoes, may transmit disease or infection.
- Drink lots of water and avoid caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated more easily.
- Learn to recognize poison ivy and poison oak
- Go out with two or more friends, especially when walking.
- Keep your cell phone handy. In case of threat or danger, call 911 or a parent/guardian for help.
- Be aware of your surroundings, including street names. This is very helpful if you ever need emergency assistance.
- Know your local Safe Place sites and the TXT 4 HELP number - 69866.
Driving - Don't drive late at night. Parents and guardians should set curfews and be aware of when and where teens will be on the road.
- Flip flops are fine for the beach, but not behind the wheel. They can easily get caught in the brake or accelerator pedal. Have teens keep a pair of sneakers or other appropriate shoes in the car at all times.
Swimming and Water Safety Only swim in public places, preferably with a lifeguard on duty. It's easy to misjudge the depth or currents in unfamiliar bodies of water, so it's always best to have a professional on hand, just in case. Infections and diseases such as hepatitis, diarrhea and pink eye can live in water. Never swim with an open wound. Don't share towels with anyone; that's another easy way to spread disease. Always shower before and after swimming.
Courtesy of Danielle White, NSP VISTA
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