Water is an essential and powerful force of nature. From daily hydration to a day on the lake water is all around us. Especially for people in Wisconsin with access to beautiful lakes and rivers, it’s easy to forget that water is something to be respected and cherished. So let’s take a moment to be thankful for the clean water we use every day for so many various things.
As we swing into summertime with a holiday weekend just around the corner, we feel it’s a good time to discuss some water safety tips. Let’s dive in.
This past week proved to be a nasty one for weather in Wisconsin. Our hearts and thoughts are with those Wisconsin communities that were hit heavy. If you’d like to donate/help in these communities check out this link: www.facebook.com/groups/1532434090110916/
When storms are in your area, it’s important you remember these guidelines for safety.
-When thunder roars, get indoors. Use the 30-30 rule if you aren’t sure when to get inside. When lightning strikes, count to 30. If the thunder roars before you hit 30, head indoors and wait at least 30 minutes before heading back out.
-It is important that you get out of the water. Get off the lake, get out of the pool and head indoors. Lightening can travel through plumbing. While inside, avoid taking a shower or bath during a storm as well as washing dishes or sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods of time.
-Once the storms have passed, assess your yard for standing water. Standing, stagnant water can pose a health risk to you and your family. Standing water is a breeding ground for nasty insects, especially mosquitos in Wisconsin. If there is standing water and it’s been around for a while, don’t let you children play in it. These collections of water can potentially harbor harmful bacteria. Try to keep your pets away as well.
-Check the inside of your home for leaks/flooding. Take care of water inside your home as quickly as possible. Water inside your home leads to damage and mold which can be dangerous. If you aren’t sure how to go about taking care of the water, call a professional. This is nothing to mess around with. No standing water or visible leaks but your house feels damp, invest in a dehumidifier.
Another important safety point for summer- be ever so careful around water. If you have a pool in your yard, make sure your children are only around it with supervision. It only takes a few inches of water and a few unsupervised minutes for things to go terribly wrong. When around lakes/rivers make sure there is supervision as well. Don’t swim in unfamiliar bodies of water-depth and current can change quickly. Use lifejackets.
As the temperatures rise, it is important to remember to keep you and your family hydrated. This includes your pets. If you have animals that live outdoors, make sure they have access to fresh water always, especially during the hot summer days. Spending the day at the lake? Don’t forget to pack cold water. Keep in mind that children and elderly are prone to dehydration and the dangers that come with it.
To recap: Beware of storms. Check for standing water. Use caution and responsibility around water. Stay hydrated. And have fun! Remember the power that water and nature can have. Treat it with respect and enjoy the beauty that Wisconsin has to offer.
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