Summer Safety Tips

If you are undertaking an activity such as biking, horseback riding, or skating, WEAR A HELMET AT ALL TIMES. You may want to wear other protective gear as well, such as elbow and knee pads, but above all else, make sure you are wearing your helmet and that it is properly secured!

If you are having a cookout, inspect your grill before you begin. If you are using a gas grill, make sure that all the lines from the propane tank to the burners are clear of debris (such as food particles, insects, etc.), and that the hoses do not have any sharp bends or creases in them. Turn your propane tank off directly at the tank IMMEDIATELY if you suspect a gas leak. If you are using a charcoal grill, NEVER move the grill indoors to cook, as lack of ventilation can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide.

There is always an increase in food poisoning and other food-related illnesses during the summer, as it is easier for bacteria to grow as food remains less refrigerated. Make sure you wrap all food tightly before storing in coolers to prevent cross-contamination. Once your food is packed, make sure there is plenty of ice and/or reusable ice-packs being used to insulate your coolers, and that if you are using ice, you replenish the ice frequently. Try to store drinks separately from other foods, as that cooler will probably be opened more frequently than others just being used for food. Make sure all leftovers are stored promptly, as food left outside for even just one hour can spoil in the hot sun.

If you have a backyard pool, make sure the area is completely secure. Your pool should be completely fenced in, and the doors should have locks and/or alarms to prevent small children from wandering off into the pool area unattended.

Make sure when you take your children swimming, regardless as to whether or not it is a backyard pool or neighborhood pool, that the pool is ALWAYS attended by an adult (and at a neighborhood pool, a qualified lifeguard). Make sure your children follow all the safety rules as well.

Keep your skin protected while outside. Make sure you are wearing hats and other items that may shield your skin, and that you are ALWAYS wearing a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15, and preferably higher.

Drink plenty of fluids while outside. The sun and the hot weather can cause rapid depletion of fluids in your body, which can potentially lead to heat exhaustion.

Be aware of the potential of heat exhaustion while you are outside. You should probably go inside immediately if you begin to experience any of the following symptoms: rapid pulse, profuse sweating, dizziness and or nausea, and muscle and/or stomach cramps. Once you have gone inside, make sure you drink plenty of fluids (but NOT fluids containing alcohol or caffeine), that you are in an area with air-conditioning (or fans), and that you try to stay out of the sun entirely for the next 12-24 hours.

If you are going on a hike, make sure to bring plenty of water so that you stay refreshed and so your fluid levels remain replenished. You should also bring your own water as opposed to drinking water from nearby streams in case the local water has been polluted. Make sure you also bring a map and compass, so you will always know the shortest route back should you decide to end your hike early.

If you are outside and the weather takes a turn for the worse, seek shelter indoors immediately. If this is unavailable, make sure that as you seek shelter, you do not stand underneath trees or anything metal, as these may act as conductors should they be hit by lightning.

If you take your children to the local playground, make sure that the playground is not located on a hard surface (such as packed dirt or concrete), as these surfaces may cause serious injury should your child fall. The surface of the playground should be at least nine inches deep, and contain materials such as sand, loose dirt, wood chips, or mulch. Swings should be at least twenty-four inches apart from one another, and at least thirty inches apart from their support beams on either side. There should also only be two swings between support beams at the most, and NEVER any swings meant to accomodate more than one child or swings with seats made of wood or metal.

Your pet may also be in danger of heat exhaustion. Make sure that if you are outside with your pet, he or she has plenty of water available and that shaded areas are also available to help keep your pet cool. NEVER leave your pet unattended in a hot car.

If you are taking your children on trips in the car during the summer, keep in mind that small children may have difficulty breathing in an excessively hot car, that their skin can scorch easily, and that they can be severely burned on hot seat belt or car seat buckles. Try to run the air conditioning in your car, or at least roll the windows down, for several minutes before placing your child in the car during the summer.

When you come in after a day of being outside – especially if you have walked in a field or through the woods – check yourself thoroughly for ticks. If you find one crawling on you remove it and either flush it in the toilet or smash it good. If you find one has attached itself to you take a small dab of liquid hand soap – or nail polish or Vaseline – and put it on the tick. Wait a moment for it to suffocate and then you should be able to wipe it off with a tissue. Remember to check small children for them, and don’t forget to check your pets if they have been outside.