Many families will spend the upcoming holidays traveling, grilling out, or diving into the nearest body of water. However, Bon Secours experts are warning you to take the proper precautions to avoid an unexpected trip to the emergency room. 

“Memorial Day isn’t just the unofficial kickoff to summer. It’s also known as the start of the 100 Deadliest Days of summer. More people are traveling, getting outdoors, and trying new activities because the weather is nice and the kids are out of school, but that results in a bigger risk for injury which makes summer one of our busiest times of year,” said Dr. Ryan Brown, an emergency medicine physician at Bon Secours St. Francis.

Summer is the perfect time to take a vacation, but if that involves hitting the road, make sure you have a plan in place. Know where you are going, as well as any traffic and weather conditions that could impact the drive. Wear your seatbelt at all times. That includes making sure all children are in properly installed car seats. 

If you choose to beat the heat by taking to the water, ensure everyone knows how to swim or is wearing an adequate safety device to ensure they are safe and free of harm. Someone should always be watching the water – accidents happen, no matter how old someone is or how strong a swimmer they are. The same goes for boating. Ensure there are enough lifejackets for everyone on board – including adults. And whether you’re driving a boat or a car – you’ll also want to have a designated driver. 

“People get out there and drink alcohol all day in the sun and then end up getting into accidents. So many injuries and even deaths could be prevented if people would just use the appropriate safety equipment and not choose to use alcohol in conjunction with their activities,” said Dr. Brown.

Even if you’re planning to stay home, there are potential dangers you should be aware of. When grilling – never leave an open flame unattended, ensure you’re not cooking too close to anything flammable, and it’s always a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher close by. Once your meal is ready, remember to keep food at safe temperatures – don’t leave cold foods sitting out in the sun too long. Also keep dishes covered to prevent insects from adding germs as an unintended ingredient. 

Speaking of outdoor pests, insect repellent is always a good idea to keep the bugs at bay. You’ll also want to use plenty of sunscreen while you’re out in the sun. 

road,” warned Dr. Brown. “No matter what your skin type, you should be wearing sunscreen of at least an SPF 35. There’s also no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen so make sure you’re re-applying whether you’re coming out of the pool or just working up a sweat from extended periods in the sun.”

Finding a shaded area or wearing hats, sun shirts, and sunglasses can also decrease your risk for sun damage. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, too. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to prevent heat illness. 

If for any reason your summer fun does result in the need for emergency care, Bon Secours St. Francis offers a variety of emergency and walk-in care services that can provide help whenever you need, no appointment necessary. Learn more at bonsecours.com■