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Grab a lemonade, sit by the pool, and enjoy the sun! It won’t be sticking around Arlington Heights for long. But as you enjoy the summer months, you need to stay safe.

The Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. recommend these summer safety tips from the National Safety Council.

Limit Your Time in the Heat

In 2014, 244 people died in the U.S. from exposure to excessive heat. Specifically, watch over any children or senior citizen neighbors. It does not take much to become affected by the heat. For example, heatstroke can occur when your body temperature changes quickly.

If you or someone you love experiences heatstroke, move to the shade and into a half-sitting position. Additionally, call for medical help. Do not give the person aspirin or other medications. And although it seems counter-intuitive, do not let them drink a lot of water. Instead, spray them with water.

If you work outside, remember to drink a lot of water and take many breaks. If you or someone you love has been affected by work conditions in the heat and negligent behavior by their employer, please contact the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today.

Bike Safety

Recently, a Mount Prospect pedestrian was killed while riding a bike crossing Central Rd. Although we all enjoy riding our bikes in the summer with our family, remember to stay safe.

According to Injury Facts 2017, the statistical report on unintentional injuries created by the National Safety Council, 488,123 people were treated in emergency rooms in 2015 after being injured riding a bicycle. If you or someone you love has been injured by a car while riding your bike, please contact the Law Offices of R.F .Wittmeyer, Ltd. today.

Follow these tips:

• Get acquainted with traffic laws; cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists
• Know your bike’s capabilities
• Ride single-file in the direction of traffic, and watch for opening car doors and other hazards
• Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections
• Never hitch onto cars
• Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder
• Wear bright clothing and ride during the day
• If night riding can’t be avoided, wear reflective clothing
• Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes
• A horn or bell and a rear-view mirror, as well as a bright headlight, also is recommended

Playground Safety Tips

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that emergency departments still see more than 20,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related traumatic brain injury each year.” Accidents happen at these public locations. If your child has suffered a brain injury at a suburban playground, contact an experience personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today at 847-357-0403.

Kids love to run around and play a bit dangerously. But you can supervise them and ensure their safety. Additionally, bring a lot of extra water and snacks. On a warm day, you want to make sure that your children do not become affected by the weather.

Lastly, check out all of the equipment at the park. If the playground lacks sufficient maintenance, guardrails may be broken and sharp edges could exist.

It’s a great time to play with your children, so enjoy the day off and run around with them!

Other Safety Tips

Recently, we warned you about the dangers surrounding boating, fireworks, and summer driving. Remember those safety tips as well. And have a great summer!