As a dispatcher in a public safety answering point, you know that there are some seasons when you receive more calls from people experiencing emergencies, like the holidays and the summer. Here are some public safety tips that you can both use yourself, and pass on to the people you know, to prevent summer emergencies, and hopefully reduce the number of calls you receive about them.

1.      Know proper water safety

You may have been swimming since you could walk, but freak accidents can happen to anyone. Try to always swim with a buddy, so that if an emergency does strike, you will have someone there to help. Never leave a young child unattended near the water, and if they will be swimming make sure they have the proper protective gear on. Avoid alcohol use and listen to the warnings if you will be swimming during a time when there could be inclement weather. There will always be risks associated with swimming, but when you take the right precautions, you will be doing what you can to ensure your safety.

2. Watch out for the heat

Heat related illness does not just affect children and the elderly; it can take its toll on anyone. If you are going to be outside for long periods of time, make sure you bring an adequate amount of water and try to take breaks sitting down, or inside an air-conditioned or shaded area every once in a while. Also make sure you are applying sunscreen before you go outside to avoid sunburn, and try to not do high energy activities during the hottest part of the day.

3. Know your creepy crawlers

During the summer, you are probably taking vacations or visiting places you have never visited before. In these unfamiliar locations, you may not realize it if the creepy crawler sitting on your dashboard is not a common house spider, but instead the most deadly spider known to mankind. Now, it probably will not be that extreme, but you will want to be able to remember if it’s red next to black or black next to yellow. Being aware of the creatures in an area that do have the potential to harm you will help you be more prepared if an emergency does arise, because you will have read up on how to respond to the situation. Also make sure you are wearing bug repellent when you venture outside to combat some of the creepy crawlers that think stinging you is in your best interest.

By taking these precautions and passing them on to others, you will be ready to stay safe yourself, to help others stay safe, and to help those who may not have been listening to the tips the first time. What are the most common summer emergency calls you receive in your public safety answering point? If you have any summer public safety tips of your own, be sure to visit our Facebook page and tell us about them!