Summer Arrives, Full of Hazards
The 2013 U.S. hurricane season is about to begin, and this week is intended to get potentially vulnerable communities and their residents ready. It's National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2013, running from May 26 through June 1. Hurricanes are a notable summer hazard, particularly in recent years. The list of summer hazards is much longer, however.
Boating accidents and drownings top the list. Alcohol consumption contributes to many boating accidents. The U.S. Coast Goard's Compass blog recently asked its followers to tweet their advice for boating safely, and many responded with admonitions not to drink alcohol while boating. Using life jackets at all times while on the water, taking safe boating classes, monitoring weather reports, and maintaining a safe speed also were mentioned.
Heat stress is a concern for outdoor workers, so much so that Cal/OSHA and some other state plans run annual awareness campaigns about it. This Industrial Accident Prevention Association page offers information and tools about heat stress, as well as West Nile Virus, another significant summer concern.
The list goes on: mower injuries, food safety concerns associated with picnics and outdoor events, fireworks injuries, snakebites, and bugs and stings are seasonal hazards for many people.
The National Hurricane Center's online resources available here include a Tropical Cyclone Preparedness Guide and tips to help families prepare before a hurricane makes landfall.
Posted by Jerry Laws on May 27, 2013