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Summertime Safety
Summer is a time for family reunions, picnics, swimming and travel, but without caution, these activities can lead to burn injuries. Most summer injuries occur during sports or recreational activities and often involve alcohol, grilling, camping or water sports.
Follow safe practices when camping and outdoor cooking.
Be prepared for a fire or medical emergency. Know what to do and have the necessary equipment and supplies available.
Be careful with the weather, and use sunscreen. Pay attention to weather warnings. Sun, lightning, rain and hail can all be dangerous and can lead to burns.
In the United States:
- According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 1998 there were 6,100 reported home fires involving gas or charcoal grills, leading to $29.1 million in direct property damage. 1 Most of the gas grill fires and explosions were caused by gas leaks, blocked tubes or overfilled propane tanks. 2
- Fireworks injure more than 11,000 Americans and are also a cause of many fires. More than half of these injuries occur during the first week of July. Even legal fireworks can be very dangerous. 2
- Improper use of fireworks causes more than 6,000 fires and more than $8 million in property damage each year in the U.S. 2
- Every year about 1,200 people are struck by lightning, causing more than one hundred deaths. 3
- National Fire Protection Association Summer Safety Fact Sheet, Quincy, MA, 2001.
- National Fire Data Center – USFA – "Fireworks and Barbecues Makes July a Dangerous Month" Press Release June 21, 2000.
United States Fire Administration – "During or after a Disaster: Summer Storms Fire Safety Facts Sheet" September 8, 1998.
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