Life
Avoid Insect Bites and Stings
Summertime and the outdoors are synonymous with fun. But what’s not enjoyable is when insects—mosquitoes, ticks, bees, wasps and more—cause bites and stings that not only create physical discomfort but may also transmit diseases. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent and respond to outdoor pest concerns.
To reduce the likelihood of insect bites and stings,
- Use insect repellent. To protect against mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs, use insect repellent containing between 20 per cent and 30 per cent DEET on any exposed skin and clothing.
- Wear appropriate clothing. If you’re going to be out at night or hiking in wooded areas, cover any exposed skin by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, pants, socks and closed shoes instead of flip-flops or sandals.
- Use bed nets. If you’re planning to sleep outdoors, use bed nets to protect against mosquitoes. Look for nets that have been pre-treated with an insecticide.
If you are bitten or stung by an insect, these simple treatments can help:
- For pain, take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- For itchiness, use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone. Another option is to take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine.
- For any swelling, reduce it by applying an ice pack to the affected area.
Occasionally, insect bites and stings can be life-threatening. If you experience any serious symptoms—such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, vomiting, difficulty swallowing or a rapid heart rate—call 911 immediately. Pests are active year-round. Take care to protect against insect bites, and call your doctor or get emergency care for any serious or allergic reaction.
Home
Be Aware of Hazardous Household Products
Many households unknowingly have dangerous products in almost every room. These products contain chemicals that could be hazardous to you, your family and even your pets. If not properly stored or used, these products can cause a variety of health
problems, some of which can be very serious.
Product labels can tell you how dangerous a product is. Some of the warning terminologies that may appear on product labels includes:
- “Flammable/combustible” – This means the product can easily be set on fire or ignited.
- “Explosive/reactive”” – This means the product can detonate or explode when exposed to heat, shock or pressure.
- “Corrosive/caustic” – This means the product can burn your skin and eyes.
- “Toxic/poisonous” – This means the product is capable of causing injury or death if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through your skin.
- “Radioactive” – This means that the product can damage cells and chromosomal material.
- “Environmental damage” – This means that the product can contaminate rivers, lakes and drinking water, as well as cause air pollution.
Common household products that are potentially dangerous include air fresheners, batteries, bleach, detergents, cleaners, and pet ointments or medications. It’s crucial to follow safety precautions when using all hazardous products. As such, be sure to:
- Use proper safety equipment.
- Work outside or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wash your hands and clean up afterwards.
- Store products safely away from children and pets. Only buy what you need.
- Keep products in their original containers.
Call 911 in the case of any hazardous product emergency. contact The Hull Group for more home safety tips.
Auto
Know the Pros and Cons of Run-flat Tires
Many vehicles are now equipped with runflat tires. These tires let you continue driving for nearly 160 kilometres after a tire puncture or blowout occurs. Such tires allow you extra time to get to a safe, convenient location for a tow or tire replacement. Run-flat tires generally function like regular tires, with a few notable differences. Here are the pros and cons of these tires.
Pros:
- More stability – Run-flat tires allow you to maintain better control in a total airloss situation.
- No need for a spare – By having run-flat tires, you won’t need to worry about carrying a spare tire or changing a damaged tire immediately in a potentially unsafe location.
- Extra reinforcement – Run-flat tires possess added sidewall reinforcements, resulting in a firmer ride.
Cons:
- Continued blowout risks – You must still adhere to tire range and speed limitations to avoid blowouts while driving with run-flat tires.
- Cost concerns – Patching run-flat tires isn’t recommended, and these tires are more expensive to replace.
Contact The Hull Group for additional driving safety guidance.