Summer Safety in Michigan: Protecting Your Family During Warm Weather Activities - Prudential Alarm

Swimming Safety: Navigating Michigan’s Waters

Michigan’s abundance of lakes and waterways offers ample opportunities for swimming and boating. However, water activities can be dangerous without proper precautions.

Drowning Statistics: Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for those aged 5 to 14. CDC

Lake Michigan Drownings: In 2022, there were 84 confirmed drownings in the Great Lakes, with 38 occurring in Lake Michigan alone. Big Rapids Pioneer

Safety Tips:

Supervision: Always supervise children near water, regardless of their swimming abilities.

Swimming Lessons: Enroll children in swimming lessons to build water competency.

Life Jackets: Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating and for inexperienced swimmers.

Weather Awareness: Check weather conditions and heed warnings before swimming or boating.

Grilling Safety: Preventing Fires and Injuries

Backyard barbecues are a summer staple, but they can pose fire hazards if not handled properly.

• • Fire Incidents: The Grand Rapids Fire Department responded to two structure fires caused by outdoor grilling in a single week, highlighting the risks associated with grilling. U.S. Fire Administration

• • National Statistics: Approximately 9,500 people are burned from grill fires or hot grills each year in the U.S. State Farm

Safety Tips:

• • Placement: Keep grills at least 10 feet away from structures and overhanging branches.

• • Maintenance: Regularly clean grills to prevent grease buildup.

• • Supervision: Never leave a grill unattended while in use.

• • Proper Equipment: Use long-handled tools and heat-resistant gloves to manage food and coals safely.

Fireworks Safety: Celebrating Responsibly

Fireworks are synonymous with summer celebrations but can cause serious injuries if mishandled.

• • Injury Statistics: In 2023, there were an estimated 9,700 fireworks-related injuries in the U.S., with 66% occurring in the weeks surrounding July 4. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• • Common Injuries: Hands and fingers accounted for 35% of these injuries, followed by head, face, and ear injuries at 22%. FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI)

Safety Tips:

• • Legal Compliance: Use only legal, consumer-grade fireworks and follow local regulations.

• • Adult Supervision: Ensure that adults handle fireworks and supervise any use by older children.

• • Safety Equipment: Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish fireworks and any accidental fires.

• • Proper Disposal: Soak used fireworks in water before disposing them in a trash can.

Comprehensive Safety Measures

Beyond activity-specific precautions, consider implementing broader safety measures to protect your home and family:

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install detectors on every level of your home and test them monthly.

Fire Extinguishers: Keep accessible fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen and near grills.

Security Systems: Utilize home security systems to monitor fire hazards and unauthorized access.

Emergency Plans: Develop and practice a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes and meeting points.