Tips

Summer fun should include safety

The days are warming up and the official start of summer is just around the corner. It’s important to remember some common summer safety tips to enjoy the season.

Enjoy the backyard

If you’re thinking of adding an above-ground pool for the kids or planning to do some landscaping, OPPD reminds you to put safety first. Here are some key points to remember so your family can enjoy the warm weather safely.

• Be mindful of the electrical equipment on your property. Lines can be both overhead and underground, depending on your area. Safety codes require homeowners to honor clearances between pools and power lines.
• Remember: Water and electricity DO NOT mix. Please respect the equipment on your property.
• If you are installing a pool or working on landscaping, call 811 before you begin to dig or insert stakes. Calling this number is easy – and it’s the law. The service will locate any underground power lines and other utility infrastructure for you to avoid, such as gas and water lines.
• When placing a pool in your yard, remember to be at least 22 feet away from any overhead power lines. Also be aware of the proximity to power lines when erecting a trampoline in your back yard, especially if you have overhead lines on your property.

Go fly a kite

Flying kites near power lines and electrical facilities is dangerous and can potentially disrupt electrical service to customers. For those reasons, it’s important to remember a few key points before you unspool that kite string.

• If the wind pushes your kite near a power line or electrical facility, let go of it. Your safety is never worth chasing a kite into a dangerous environment. Keep your kite in an open area far away from these types of facilities.
• Avoid flying kites that contain parts made out of metal or wires.
• Don’t allow children to fly kites without adult supervision. A stiff gust of wind can easily cause you to lose control of the kite.
• If you do get your kite tangled in power lines, NEVER attempt to remove it. Contact OPPD at 877-536-4131 for assistance.

Beat the heat

Summer safety should also include tips to beat the heat. Here are five tips to stay safe:

• Drink plenty of cold water to stay hydrated. If you know you’ll be outside and exerting yourself, start hydrating the day before. By the time you start feeling overly thirsty, it’s probably too late to avoid dehydration. A sports drink can help if you are sweating a lot, replacing salt and minerals.
• Find a cooler location, whether it be in the shade or retreating indoors for some air conditioning. Sometimes, it’s best to just stay inside.
• Apply cool, wet cloths to your neck and wrists to cool down quickly.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing loose and light-colored clothing. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially during midday – typically the hottest part of the day.

Remaining properly hydrated is an important part of summer safety. The graphic below depicts some of the common signs of dehydration.