With summer comes an intoxicating sense of freedom and fun-one to which grownups are not immune. Even those of us in Virginia who will continue with our usual 9-5 routines can't help but feel somewhat swept up in the magic of summer and all that it entails: the hot days, the shorts and sandals, the ample sunlight, and the barbecues. But summer also ushers in a new set of safety hazards that aren't as significant during the cooler seasons. With warm weather and even slight lifestyle changes come new threats to your personal safety. Be aware of the following summer safety hazards, and make sure you have a health insurance plan in place that will help to keep you healthy and financially secure in the event of an unexpected summer mishap.
Sharks & Other Sea Life - Summer is prime time for visits to the beach, and few activities are as fun or refreshing as swimming, body boarding, surfing, or otherwise frolicking in the ocean. While it is unfair to demonize sharks and inaccurate to say that coming in contact with one will inevitably lead to injury, it is important to recognize that sharks can and will attack. Most of us have heard or read stories of shark attacks in recent years, some of which have been deadly. Other forms of sea life pose threats-if unintentional ones-to humans. These include jellyfish, which can sting, and coral, which can cause severe cuts. When enjoying the ocean this summer, be aware and respectful of sea life, pay attention to warnings from lifeguards about the presence of sharks or jellyfish, and keep a safe distance from coral beds.
Storms - In many regions of the U.S., summer is characterized by intense and often beautiful thunderstorms. Warm air and water-filled clouds work together to produce heavy rains, crashing thunder, and breathtaking displays of lightning. These showy and often noisy outbursts are best enjoyed from the safety of a front porch for a few reasons: lightning can and will strike people, or trees, telephone poles, and other structures that can then cause injury to people; summer thunderstorms can result in flash floods that can be dangerous to both pedestrians and to drivers, who can lose control of their vehicles; and loud claps of thunder can be startling to the elderly or to people with nervous conditions who are easily upset. While it may be tempting to take a drive during a thunderstorm, perhaps to glimpse some glorious lightning, it's more prudent to stay close to home until the storm has passed.
Sunshine - The sun is one of the most common culprits of summer safety mishaps. People overindulge in it, and can suffer severe burns, dehydration, and heat stroke. When spending time outdoors on a summer day, always wear a high SPF sunblock; remember that the number on your sunblock indicates how much longer you can be in the sun without the risk of serious burn that you could without any sunblock at all. For example, if you have an SPF of 15, you can be in the sun for about fifteen times longer than you could without any sun protection before you are at risk of burning. If you are someone who would naturally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, your SPF of 15 will afford you approximately 150 burn-free minutes, assuming you don't sweat or wash it off and that it isn't expired. To be extra safe, use a high SPF (50 or more), reapply it frequently, wear a hat, and hydrate before, during, and after any outdoor summer activities.
Call or contact Robins Insurance today for any of your insurance-related questions.