The grass is growing, the bees are buzzing around the wildflowers, the lakes are full of boats and the kids have been out of school for a while……the hallmarks of summer in Woodland Park. With all of the great weather and additional outdoor activity come risks. A recent article by Leah Culler on MSN defined some of the largest summer dangers and gave tips on ways to avoid them. Here are some of the most common:

1. The Lawn Mower: With the metal blade spinning over 160 mph just inches from our feet, lawn mowers cause more than 80,000 injuries each year. The majority of these injuries come from flying debris, such as rocks and twigs, which the spinning blades send into the air. To minimize the risk of injury, wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and goggles. Also, be sure to survey the area before you mow and remove any loose rocks, twigs, toys, or other items on the ground.
2. Ladders: Summer is a great time to trim trees and complete those routine repairs and maintenance on your Pikes Peak area home. Unfortunately, falls from ladders send 164,000 people to the hospital each year. Before you climb up the rungs to fix that loose shingle, be sure your ladder is steady (preferable with a second person holding it from the ground). Never climb onto that unsteady top rung, and always keep your weight centered over the middle of the ladder.
3. Digging holes: From putting up a new fence to landscaping, holes are often a necessary part of the process. However, below the dirt and grass lie some very big dangers—lines, wires, and pipes. Before digging, be sure to call 811 and have the service come mark your lines. This will prevent you from accidentally cutting a line and losing cable, water, phone service, and may keep you from getting the shock of your life.
4. Heat: Did you know that pale skin and nausea are signs of heat exhaustion? That hot pavement and sidewalks are a leading cause of burns on feet? That people have actually baked cookies in hot cars in Arizona and Texas? That children are burned every year on hot playground equipment? Prevention is easy: drink plenty of fluids and pay attention to warning signs for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Always wear shoes, and check the temperature of metal or plastic surfaces before letting children touch them. In addition, of course, never leave pets or children in cars.
5. Power tools: Chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and gas powered edgers are responsible for tens of thousands of ER visits each year. Before you tackle that tree in the backyard, the bush blocking the view of the Rocky Mountains, or the grass overgrowing from the edge of the driveway, take a few moments to be safe. Long pants, closed-in shoes and eye protection are a must. Make sure you are in a stable position (not hanging over a ladder or with the trimmer over your head), and NEVER use power tools after a few cocktails.
6. Insects: The warm weather brings out many of life’s little pests. Fleas, which can carry Lyme Disease, mosquitoes (which are carriers for West Nile and various other viruses), and even spiders. It is always a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants if hiking or visiting an area with a high volume of insects. Bug repellant with DEET is another popular, and effective, option to keep most flying pests away. In regards to spiders, the Black Widow is the only common venomous spider in the Pikes Peak Area, so be aware before sticking your hand into those dark corners!

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