Protect Yourself with These 5 Summer Safety Tips

 1. Heat-Related Safety

Rising temperatures can feel pleasant, but they also raise the risk of heat-related injuries, like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Nearly 120,000 people visited the emergency room (ER) for heat-related injuries in 2023, often due to overheating from prolonged heat exposure or strenuous activities in high temperatures. Stay informed about heat risks by tracking heat forecasts in your area and follow the CDC’s tips to prevent heat-related injuries:

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
• Limit time spent working or exercising in the heat.
• Never leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car.
• Find cool, shady spots to rest or stay indoors.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

And it's not just the heat that can harm your health. Sunlight also brings UV (ultraviolet) rays that can cause sunburn and significantly raise your risk of developing skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. 

  2. Hearing Safety 

Summer events like concerts, sports games, fireworks and air shows are exciting, but they can be loud enough to cause hearing loss, which nearly 48 million Americans struggle with. Loudness is measured in decibels (dB) – the higher the number, the louder the sound and the greater the risk to your hearing. 

A good rule of thumb: if you need to raise your voice to talk to someone three feet away, it’s probably too loud. Ringing in your ears after a loud event, called tinnitus, can be a sign your hearing was damaged. Hearing loss from noise can’t be fixed, but it is completely preventable. To stay safe, you should:

• Take breaks and walk away from noisy areas.
• Limit your exposure to loud noises and leave if you experience pain or tinnitus.
• Keep your distance from noise sources, like speakers at a concert.
• Wear ear plugs and earmuffs that are specially designed for hearing protection.
• Keep young children away from noisy areas.

  3. First-Aid Safety 

Summer fun can lead to small injuries, so having a first aid kit ready allows you to respond quickly and effectively. While kits are available to buy at local drugstores, you can customize your own with items specific to your health needs. 

Consider basic supplies to clean and cover minor injuries and talk to your healthcare provider about medications to have on hand. This can include:

• Adhesive tape, bandages and cotton swabs
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Gloves, scissors and tweezers
• Antihistamines
• Burn gel
• Hydrocortisone cream 
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

Check medications regularly and toss if they’re expired. Store your first aid kit in a cool, dry place that’s easily accessible. Seek medical attention if health conditions worsen and keep a list of emergency contact numbers on hand, such as local emergency services, Poison Control and more.

Accidents happen anytime and can lead to major disruptions in your life and finances. MedMutual Protect’s Accident Insurance offers convenient plan designs with coverage for inpatient and outpatient care to help protect both your health and your budget.

  4. Road Travel Safety 

Summer is a popular time for travel, especially road trips. But driving any distance comes with risks, so stay safe and plan ahead before heading out. Avoid breakdowns and reduce the risk of accidents by doing a vehicle check, like inspecting tires and checking your car's cooling system and fluid levels for brakes, transmission and windshield washer.

Buckle up every time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates seat belts reduce risk of serious injuries to front seat passengers in cars by 50%. Children under 13 should sit in the back of the car in seats that suit their age and size. The NHTSA recommends the following:

• Birth to age 3 should be in a rear-facing car seat.
• Ages 4-7 should sit in a forward facing car seat until they are big enough to fit in a booster seat.
• Ages 8-12 should sit in front facing booster seat until they are big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.
• Ages 13 and up should use a seat belt. 

  5. Weather Safety 

Warm, sunny days make summer worthwhile, but weather conditions can be intense or change suddenly. Being prepared for the possibility of bad weather can protect you and your loved ones.

Storms, flash floods and even tornadoes can develop quickly. Stay safe by checking weather forecasts daily and when traveling. In a designated safety spot, stock emergency supplies such as: 

• Non-perishable foods, like canned and dried beans, fruits and vegetables.
• Clean drinking water. 
• A portable power bank.
• A battery-operated radio and spare batteries.
• A generator for backup power.

Even clear days carry hidden risks. Hot weather can increase air pollutants that make breathing difficult for people with chronic issues like heart disease, asthma and allergies. Track air quality alerts and protect yourself on days when numbers are high by reducing time outdoors, limiting driving and wearing a mask.