Summer Safety Tips: Surf's Up for Thompson Trio (and Cassie)

Front Row:  Cassie the Wonderdog
Back Row:  The Thompson Trio (L to R) Taylor, Tyler, and Trevor.

(L to R) Thompson Trio Trevor, Tyler, and Taylor take a stand as Cassie practices land surfing. 
Summer fun in the sun is in full swing, and strong emphasis on your safety is vital. Postal employees and their families will continue to drive great distances for work and to visit their families and friends. Swimming, boating, off-road driving, barbecuing, and fireworks are popular activities for the Fourth of July holiday. Whatever your plans, vigorously pursue and adopt a risk management plan before you get underway for the holiday celebration.

Exercise forethought and common sense when engaging in any activity. 

To meet the challenge of this Fourth of July holiday, keep in mind some safety hints to minimize risks and avoid death and injury ...

Fireworks: The best advice: leave them to the professionals. If fireworks are legal in your area and you decide to light off a few, use caution! Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Careless use of fireworks can cause serious injury or death.

Heat: When the heat is on, it may be harder to work safely. Drink water often. Dress lightly and chose fabrics that let moisture and heat escape. When possible, take breaks, move to a cooler area, or periodically change to lighter work.

Swimming: Use common sense; swim where lifeguards are present. They are trained to identify hazards and help you if you get into trouble. Never dive unless you know the depth of the water and what obstacles are below. Don't let a bad decision leave you paralyzed for life.

Boating: Take a boating course, file a float plan, never exceed the boat's maximum capacity, wear a personal flotation device, keep an eye on the weather, and save the alcohol for later.

Off-road driving: Get training before operating a vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle off-road. Start out slowly. Know your route so you can alter speed and be especially cautious in areas with limited visibility or poor road conditions. Maintain proper speed and wear personal protective equipment.

Barbecue safety: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for lighting and extinguishing gas grills. There is a right way and a wrong way. Postal employees and their families have been severely burned when gas buildups have caused explosions.

Driving: Here are some tips for highway trips:

• If you are highway bound, make sure your vehicle is in excellent operating condition. Always carry a roadside emergency and first aid kit. Remember to bring extra water, especially in hot climates.

• Put on a safety belt the first thing when you get in a car --- it takes only 3 seconds. Putting on a safety belt is a simple habit and can make all the difference between walking away from a crash and being carried off on a stretcher.

• Keep children safe. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride. All children must be protected with the correct safety equipment.

• Don't speed. Speeding reduces your ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the road. You never know what's around that next corner - a deer, stalled car, or pedestrian in the roadway.

• Most importantly, don't drink and drive --- and equally important, don't get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.

Think before you act. Basic precautions for prevention of mishaps - while on the waterways, on the ball field, on the highway, and at work - will make this Fourth of July and summer a safe and happy one, and one which you will live to talk about.