Heat Safety Tips:
Whether you are outside or inside, extreme heat can be dangerous and high levels of humidity can make even the most relaxing of days unbearable. Make sure to stay safe when you are outside by wearing sunscreen and staying in the shade when possible. Keep hydrated and know the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Always keep a bottle of water or other healthy refreshments nearby! Hot cars can be deadly too, when it is warm outside, the temperature in the car can rise quickly and lead to deadly results.
Water Safety Tips:
Swimming in the pool, or your local river, can be a fun way to keep cool during the sizzling summer months! Avoid getting water in your mouth, and keep an eye on children playing in the water. Never swim alone or in unsupervised locations, make sure to always swim with another family member or friends. Maintain cleanliness standards in pools and rinse off before and after getting in to stay clean and healthy while preventing the spread of disease. Never drink alcohol before or after swimming, especially when operating heavy machinery such as boats or jet-skis—accidents can sometimes occur.
Food Safety Tips:
Grilling is an excellent way to get outside and show everyone your culinary prowess! Make sure to store raw meat, fruits and vegetables at the appropriate temperature and do not let them sit out in room temperature for longer than two hours. Be sure to wash the food and your hands thoroughly before cooking to avoid germs. Make sure to avoid cross contamination and do not use the same utensils for fruits and vegetables. Throughout the day, the ice in coolers may melt, make sure to bring extra ice and keep watch on temperature of the foods you are storing.
While following these guidelines, be sure to have fun and spend time with family and friends! For more information about summer safety tips, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the American Red Cross website. For some fun summer ideas for families, visit Care.com.