Latest news with #NationalSafetyCouncil
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
It's heating up in Oklahoma. Here are 10 things you shouldn't leave in a hot car this summer
Oklahoma could see record-breaking heat this month, so you probably want to crank up your air conditioners for the season — if you haven't already. You may also want to check what's in your car. Just like when it's freezing outside, there are certain things you shouldn't leave in the car during scorching temperatures. Temperatures inside your vehicle can become dangerous very quickly. Last year, 39 children died in the U.S. from heatstroke in vehicles, up 35% from 2023, according to the National Safety Council. Over half of the children who die of heatstroke in vehicles are as a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in the car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here's what to know as Oklahoma heats up for the summer to keep you and your family safe: Never leave your children or pets in your car unattended It's never OK to leave a child or pet in a hot car. And cracking a window doesn't make a difference either, the American Veterinary Medical Association notes. Over the past 25 years, more than 1,010 children have died of heatstroke after they were left or were trapped in a hot car. In 2018 and 2019, there were a record number of hot car deaths with 53 children dying each year, the most in at least 25 years, according to In Oklahoma, 31 children have died in hot cars since 1998, according to the National Safety Council. How to prevent hot car deaths in Oklahoma: The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends the following steps to prevent hot car deaths: Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for daycare as expected. Never leave a child in your vehicle unattended at any time. Rolling down the windows does very little to keep the vehicle cool during the warmer months. Check your entire vehicle, especially the back seat, before exiting your car. You can place your personal items in the backseat as another reminder to check the car before you leave. Keep your keys and fobs out of your child's reach and teach them that the car is not a place to play. If you see a child alone in a locked car, immediately call 911. What else shouldn't I leave in the car when it's hot out? Aerosol cans Extreme temperatures can cause aerosol cans to "become unstable" and potentially break or explode, according to Capital One Auto Navigator. Batteries Keeping batteries in hot weather or direct sunlight poses a fire risk, the U.S. Fire Administration says. Batteries that overheat can also leak or rupture. You should always follow the manufacturer's directions for batteries. Electronics Like with batteries, you should always follow the manufacturer's directions when it comes to electronics. Most — like Apple and Samsung — recommend you don't expose products to extreme temperatures at all. Food and beverages You shouldn't leave your groceries in a hot car for more than two hours, or one hour when it's above 90 degrees, Geico recommends. Not only can some items, like canned beverages, make a mess in extreme temperatures, the FDA says foodborne illness-causing bacteria doubles every 20 minutes. Lighters The flammable fuel inside of lighters could expand and breach their casings, posing a fire or explosion risk, according to Geico. The USB Lighter Company notes disposable or cheaper lighters are also more susceptible to extreme temperature effects than other kinds. Medications Extreme temperatures can cause medications to become less effective or cause unintended side effects, Baylor College of Medicine notes. You should not take medications if they have been exposed to heat and have changed color, texture or odor. If you're unsure whether a medication has gone bad, you should call a pharmacist or healthcare provider. Most medication bottles also have temperature and expiration dates, according to Baylor College of Medicine. Plastic bottles Plastic water bottles are known to 'leach' chemicals into water, a process driven by heat, USA TODAY reported. If you drink the water inside of a plastic bottle that's been left in a hot car, you could be ingesting some harmful chemicals. More: Fact check: Plastic water bottles left in hot cars don't release dioxins, do leach other chemicals Sunscreen Sunscreen that's exposed to high temperatures can shorten its shelf life, Geico said, citing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 10 things you shouldn't keep in a hot car amid extreme heat in Oklahoma
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Yahoo
Indiana man dies after lighting large firework while holding it over his head
A Bloomington man died during the Fourth of July weekend after witnesses say he tried to light a large fireworks mortar while holding it over his head, the Herald-Times reported. The incident took place about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, near Stinesville. A news release from the Monroe County Sheriff's office stated that people interviewed at the scene told officials they tried to stop the man. "He dismissed his friends, claiming he had done this before," the release said. Among other recommendations, the National Safety Council advises against holding lighted fireworks and to maintain a safe distance after lighting them. Tyler Pinkley, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene. ▶ Read the full story from the Herald-Times in Bloomington. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fireworks death in Indiana resulted from injuries after mortar exploded
Indianapolis Star
07-07-2025
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana man dies after lighting large firework while holding it over his head
A Bloomington man died during the Fourth of July weekend after witnesses say he tried to light a large fireworks mortar while holding it over his head, the Herald-Times reported. The incident took place about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, near Stinesville. A news release from the Monroe County Sheriff's office stated that people interviewed at the scene told officials they tried to stop the man. "He dismissed his friends, claiming he had done this before," the release said. Among other recommendations, the National Safety Council advises against holding lighted fireworks and to maintain a safe distance after lighting them. Tyler Pinkley, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why July 4th is one of America's most dangerous holidays, according to ER doctors
As millions across the United States celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, grilling, and family gatherings, emergency rooms are bracing for one of the year's busiest days. According to ER doctors and official data, Independence Day consistently sees the highest number of daily medical emergencies, with more than 45,000 people visiting hospitals on July 4 and 5 each year. Also Read: Chico cancels July 4 event after 'unpermitted' fireworks warehouse explodes Fireworks remain the most dramatic and visible source of injury. ERs across the country report a sharp increase in hand and facial burns, traumatic wounds, and eye injuries caused by fireworks mishandled or detonated too close to people. Live Events Children are particularly vulnerable. Doctors report cases involving corneal burns, eye scratches, and even permanent vision loss due to flying debris. In some instances, the loud explosions from firecrackers have led to temporary or long-term hearing damage, especially in younger children. Dr. Ryan Marino, an ER doctor and associate professor at Case Western Reserve University, told the New York Post that fireworks are only part of the story. 'This time of year, we see big increases in traumatic injuries and heat-related illness,' he said. While fireworks attract media attention, many patients are treated for falls, broken bones, head injuries, and car crashes. With people spending more time outdoors, engaging in physical activity, and often combining alcohol with these settings, the risk of accidents rises significantly. Drunk driving and alcohol poisoning Independence Day is also one of the deadliest times for drivers. The National Safety Council (NSC) projects traffic fatalities using federal data, and each year, hundreds of people lose their lives in alcohol-related road accidents around this holiday. Also Read: Just one hot dog a day may increase risk of diabetes and colorectal Cancer, researchers warn Doctors also see a surge in alcohol poisoning cases. Unchecked alcohol consumption, often involving mixing drinks or excessive intake in hot conditions, leads to a range of emergencies, from violent altercations to drownings and crashes. Grilling accidents Outdoor grilling is a hallmark of July 4 celebrations but also a source of numerous ER visits. Doctors frequently treat injuries such as burns, deep cuts, and even explosions involving propane tanks or hot coals. In some cases, these injuries can be life-threatening, especially when young children are nearby. Dehydration and heat illnesses With July temperatures often soaring, dehydration is a common but underestimated cause of emergency room visits. Many people celebrate outdoors for hours and fail to drink enough water. Symptoms can range from dizziness and confusion to severe organ damage in extreme cases. Also Read: Jon Jones' retirement lasted just 14 days; is he back for Aspinall or White House glory? Tips to stay safe this Independence day Medical professionals recommend the following safety measures: Supervise children around fireworks and water bodies. Ensure life jackets are worn when boating or using personal watercraft. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake, especially when swimming or in the sun. Avoid cross-contamination while grilling by keeping raw meat separate and using clean utensils. Keep children away from sparklers, which can reach temperatures of over 1,200°F. Never drink and drive, designate a sober driver, or use a rideshare service.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How hot do sparklers get? Why you should consider glow sticks instead for kids
Sparklers are a fun tradition in the Tri-State around the Fourth of July holiday. But they also can be incredibly dangerous, especially in the hands of a toddler. According to the National Safety Council, sparklers can burn at around 2,000 degrees (sometimes more, depending on the brand). That's really hot to have your little one's hand so close, and waving it so close to others. Kevin Moore, emergency department medical director for IU Health, suggested small children shouldn't handle anything that's lit, including a sparkler. The National Safety Council also recommends not allowing young children to handle fireworks, and to closely supervise older children. The National Fire Protection Association recommends glow sticks as a safer alternative to sparklers. Moore recommended the following advice if you're using fireworks at home: Don't let small children handle fireworks or anything that is lit, including sparklers. Don't point fireworks at people, animals, houses, etc. Follow instructions on packaging. Keep water nearby. Light fireworks one at a time. Don't try to relight a firework that didn't go off. Keep pets inside when lighting fireworks. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How hot do sparklers get? Fireworks safety tips for the Fourth of July
