SUMMER SAFETY

 

DRIVING TIPS:

• Maintain a safe following distance at all times and be sure to use indicators.

• Keep left unless passing and if necessary pull over to let others pass.

• If you are towing a trailer or caravan, stay within the towing and laden weight recommendations for your vehicle and trailer. Loads must be securely fastened.

• Load heavy objects evenly over the axles and keep the weight slightly towards the front and over the tow bar. The trailer draw bar should be level or slightly nose down on the tow bar.

• Vehicles take longer to stop when towing. Allow extra following distance for stopping when towing.

• The maximum towing speed limit on the open road is 90 km/h. Keep left and pull over when it is safe to let other vehicles pass.

• Read the Land Transport Safety Authority guidelines for towing.

• Take a roadmap and the phone numbers of people you may need to call if delayed.

• Check your torch batteries are bright and the contents of your first aid kit are complete.

• Allow extra travel time as holiday roads can be congested

• Avoid driver fatigue, drive at times you would normally be awake, take breaks every two hours or less, drink plenty of water, share the driving, keep plenty of air flow throughout the vehicle.

• Make sure everything is packed and stowed securely. Do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading creates excessive heat inside your tyres which could result in tyre failure and a serious accident.

 

SUNSMART:

Sunburn is a big concern, because it is linked to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Over 300 New Zealanders die from melanoma every year, even though it’s largely preventable.

• Between 10am and 4pm, during the daylight saving months, remember to ‘slip, slop, slap and wrap’ – slip on a shirt or into the shade, slop on plenty of broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on a pair of wrap-around sunglasses.

• It is especially important to never let your children get sunburnt. Sunburn in childhood increases the chances of melanoma later in life.”

For advice on choosing a sunscreen that will help to protect you from the sun, visit your local community Pharmacy.

For more information visit www.cancernz.org.nz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEACHES:

Here are some important beach safety tips:

• swim only at lifeguard patrolled beaches

• always swim between the red and yellow flags

• follow the advice of lifeguards and any safety signs

• always swim with a friend

• children must have adult supervision

• never run and dive into the water

• never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• don't depend on flotation devices as you can lose them

• be aware of rip currents

• don't wear long clothing, such as jeans, in the water

• if you get into trouble raise your arm for assistance, float and wait for help

• stay out of the water if you are in any doubt about the surf conditions or your own ability.

For more lifesaving information visit www.lifesaving.org.nz

 

CHILDREN AND PETS:

Over the summer period more children are near our roads.

• Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, even for a few moments.

• Look out for children and bicycles – some children may be learning to ride a new bike and have poor control or forget to look r signal their intention to turn.

• Learner drivers are also taking advantage of this time to learn to drive. Extra consideration should be shown for their inexperience.

• Teach children not to play in, around or anywhere near cars

• Keep keys out of the reach of children

• Always make sure all passengers including children and pets are removed from the vehicle once you reach your destination.

• Secure your child in a safety restraint system.

• Ensure pets are in moveable and well ventilated pet boxes and are securely stowed

 

SECURITY:

• Keep your luggage hidden away from thieves

• Lock your vehicle at all times. Would-be thieves are always looking for opportunities to steal.

• Park in busy, well-lit areas.

• Be aware of the potential for robbery in lonely isolated parking areas.

• Never put parcels on the back window "shelf", as they interfere with visibility and can become dangerous flying objects during an emergency stop.

 

 

FOOD SAFETY:

Summer is the time for barbeques and picnics outdoors. This can lead to food not being stored correctly and increases the risk of illness. Here are some simple tips to help keep your family and friends safe this summer.

• Wash your hands properly before touching food

• Precook chicken, meat patties and sausages before cooking on a barbeque

• Have separate utensils to handle raw and cooked meat

• Don’t use the same plate to carry raw and cooked food.

• Prepare food as close as possible to eating time

• Don’t leave food out for too long

• Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible, and when you reheat, make sure food is steaming all the way through

• Always wash your hands before handling any food.

• Wash knives and utensils and scrub chopping boards between preparing raw and cooked food.

• Defrost frozen foods thoroughly in the fridge or microwave before cooking.

• Cook food properly.

• Clean out the fridge so there’s plenty of room for the air to circulate and ensure it is set between 2 and 4°C.

• Keep meats, salads (especially pasta or rice salads), seafood and ready-to-eat foods such as dips and desserts in the fridge until you are ready to eat them.

• Don’t let leftovers sit too long. As soon as steam stops rising, refrigerate or freeze them in leak-proof containers. Throw out any perishable items left out for more than two hours.

For more information visit New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) website: www.foodsmart.govt.nz