Wear life jackets and sunscreen, oversee the kids, and up your water intake
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – Now that the good weather has finally arrived, are you ready to enjoy it safely? Snohomish Health District and the
Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office want you to protect yourself and your family with these quick tips.
WATER SAFETY
· WEAR A LIFE JACKET AT ALL TIMES. If you don’t own one already, Big 5 Sporting Goods offers 25% off a variety of life jackets and many area parks have Life Jacket Loaner Stations.
- Never swim alone
· Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others
· Stay within designated swimming areas
· Be cautious of sudden drop-offs and swift underwater currents
· Stay warm – even if it’s warm outside, most of our rivers and lakes remain cold all summer
· Know your limits and your abilities; stop before you’re too tired
· Set limits with your children – when they can go in the water, where they can go, who needs to be there, and what they should have with them.
HEAT SAFETY
· Drink more fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
· Avoid drinks with alcohol or a lot of sugar.
· Stay indoors or in the shade. In extreme heat, seek an air-conditioned place, like a shopping mall or a public library.
· Take cool showers or baths.
· Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Use sunscreen, wear sunglasses.
· NEVER leave anyone or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
· Check regularly on infants and young children, seniors, and ill people
· Know the symptoms of heat-related illness
FIRE SAFETY
· Keep kids away from hot grills and campfires – have a fire extinguisher handy
· Know the fire danger level before starting a campfire – keep water close by
· If fireworks are allowed where you are, remember that even sparklers reach 1800 degrees Fahrenheit
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to making Snohomish County the best place to live, work and play in Washington State. More safety information and resources can be found at http://sheriff.snoco.org. Contact Shari Ireton, Shari.Ireton@co.snohomish.wa.us.
Established in 1959, the Snohomish Health District works for a safer and healthier Snohomish County through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats. Find more information about the Health Board and the Health District at http://www.snohd.org. Contact Suzanne Pate, spate@snohd,org.