August might have come quickly, but summer is still far from
over. If you’re like us, these next few weeks are bound to be busy – a camping
trip here, a hike there, some time at the pool in between – but whether you’re
spending the night in a sleeping bag or in a poolside recliner, you can’t let
your guard down.
Luckily, staying safe is simple, and knowledge can be the
difference in an emergency.
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
Be Ready for the Unexpected
Get the FREE First Aid App. Nobody expects an
emergency. Slips, trips, and falls happened to even the most seasoned climbers;
bugs can always find that exposed inch of skin to sting. Knowing what to do can
turn a stressful situation into a solvable one.
Available free on Google Play and the App Store, the Canadian Red
Cross First Aid App is filled with safety tips, instructional videos, and
more. Better yet, much of its content is preloaded, so it will work whether you’re
in the heart of the city or in the middle of the woods without data.
Features
- Simple,
step-by-step instructions guide you through everyday first aid scenarios.
- Fully
integrated with 911, so you can call EMS from the app at any time.
- Videos
and animations to help you sharpen your first aid skills.
- Safety
tips for everything from severe winter weather to hurricanes, earthquakes
and tornadoes, to help you prepare for emergencies.
- Preloaded
content means you have instant access to all safety information at any
time, even without reception or an Internet connection.
- Interactive
quizzes allow you to earn badges that you can share with your friends and
show off your lifesaving knowledge.
Build (or buy) a First Aid Kit
There’s more than one way to fill a first aid kit, but every
good kit needs these few basics: bandages, gauze, tweezers, and vinyl/sterile
gloves are all essentials. For a full list of what a stocked first aid kit
should include, click
here.
EXPERT TIP: "Spend 15 minutes before you set out
and look at your first aid kit. Often, the times you need it are when you’re
stressed, someone has hurt themselves, or the conditions and environment are
chaotic. Before you leave, have a look at the first aid kit and make sure
you’re comfortable with it."
– Don Marentette, Director, First Aid Programs
Be ready for anything with a pre-made Canadian Red Cross
First Aid Kit
Not sure where to start?
Athlete in the family?
Taking your kids to the beach?
Be Sun Safe
Even if the weather feels cooler than it did in the dregs of
July, that doesn’t mean you should skimp on the sunscreen. Even the shade can’t
save you from a sunburn, so opt for at least an SPF 30 – and reapply every few
hours, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating excessively.
Be Bug Ready
The mosquitoes are buzzing, and they’ve brought along a few
friends: ticks, horseflies and other biting bugs are at their busiest this time
of year. The easiest way to avoid getting bit is with long sleeves and pants,
but we realize “covering up” and “summer” don’t always go together. So, if
you’re still in shorts, avoid heavily scented products, carry an insect
repellant, and know what to do if you’re bitten. Scared of Ticks? We
can help.
Know Your Surroundings
If you’re going on a hike, consider going old school: bring
a map, or a compass, because your smartphone might not always have a
connection. If you’re hiking in the evening, bring a flashlight or headlamp,
and before you leave, inform someone of your plans so they can help should
something unforeseen happen.
Pack Smart
A spare pair of socks can feel like the most lavish luxury
if you’re caught in the rain during a hike. An apple could be enough to get you
through the second half of your long bike ride.
While we’re not suggesting you bring a full picnic and
wardrobe change with you every where you go this summer, some snacks, extra
water and spare clothes can make a world of difference without taking up too
much space.
EXPERT TIP: "Be aware of where you’re
going. Do your research on which animals are in the area, then you can do a
quick search on what to do if there are bears, foxes, or coyotes. It’s good to
know ahead of time."
– Don Marentette, Director, First Aid Programs
Summer is best spent outside, so we hope these tips will
encourage you to enjoy the outdoors while also preparing you for a possible
emergency. To learn more about first aid, or to sign up for a
course, visit our website.
Canadian Red Cross takes your privacy seriously. We do not
distribute or sell your email address to anyone. We have your email address
listed as [email address suppressed].
Canadian Red Cross - National Office | 400 Cooper
Street | Ottawa, ON - K2P 2H8
1-800-418-1111 | WeCare@redcross.ca
