When the sun comes out and temperatures go over 25 degrees some people seem to lose their brains with their shirts.
So, to try and forestall some of the summer follies and tragedies (both big and small) we offer this list of the top 10 things to do or not to do. For those who always keep a cold brewski in the fridge and next to the patio chair, perhaps you may want to post this right on the fridge door:
1. Do not leave your patio doors unlocked when you live on the first floor. Unless, of course, you want to help out the local thieves.
2. Do not leave top floor windows open when you have toddlers. Those flimsy screens will not stop adventurous kids – and will certainly not stop them from falling through.
3. Do not leave dogs or children in cars alone during the summer – period. Forget about the “it’s only for a minute," or “there’s a breeze today and I left the window open." If you are in doubt about this, park your car in the sun and close the windows and sit in it yourself.
4. If you live in an apartment and if your apartment allows you to barbecue on your balcony and if you’re sober – cook on the grill. But if any of those ingredients are missing – don’t do it. We have enough file photos of blackened balconies and firefighters climbing up ladders trying to get people out of danger.
5. Let the bugs and dandelions live. Slug bait and other killer chemicals should not mix with dogs and kids on lawns. Forget that they say it’s safe. Who wants to be part of a scientific study that disproves it 20 years later.
6. If you’re lucky enough (and rich enough) to have a pool, then you can afford a secure fence and manage to ensure that no kids are using it unsupervised. Pools are wonderful – but can also be lures for young ones who can’t swim, or older ones who can swim but want to show off to friends.
7. Going for a walk in the woods. Keep your eyes and ears open. We’re lucky to be close to nature. But nature isn’t always so lucky to be close to us. There are bears nearby, sometimes cougars – and there’s some pretty big mosquitos out there as well
8. Watch out for cyclists. And cyclists – just plain watch out. There’s more out there in the summertime and you can miss them in the glare of a sunny day.
9. You don’t think it’s hot enough for heat stroke? Think again. Wear a hat and keep hydrated.
And, finally, number 10: Don’t take risks. Whether you’re diving off the dock or driving to the park, or running outside with a bucket of ice cream, it’s better to slow down and think about it before you rush. The extra couple of minutes may just save your life, or someone else’s.
