Summer encourages extended periods outdoors, increasing opportunities for recreation and leisure. However, specific environmental and activity-related risks require careful attention to prevent injury or illness. Preparing for these potential hazards ensures a healthy season. This article outlines five foundational safety guidelines designed to protect you and your family throughout the warmer months.
Managing Extreme Heat and Sun Exposure
High ambient temperatures place significant thermal stress on the body, making consistent hydration the first guideline for summer safety. The body loses water and electrolytes through perspiration, which can rapidly lead to dehydration. Consuming fluids consistently, even without feeling thirsty, helps prevent the progression to heat exhaustion. Symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness signal the body is struggling, requiring immediate rest and cooling to avoid heat stroke.
The second safety measure involves protecting the skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunscreens with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher should be applied liberally to all exposed skin about 15 minutes before going outside. Proper application means using approximately one ounce—enough to fill a shot glass—to cover the entire body. Reapplication is necessary at least every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Water Safety and Safe Recreation Practices
Constant supervision is the third guideline, as recreational activities near or in water introduce unique risks. Drowning can occur silently and quickly. Even shallow water sources, such as wading pools or buckets, pose a hazard to young children, necessitating a designated water watcher who avoids distractions like reading or using a phone.
Flotation devices like inflatable rings or water wings are not substitutes for approved life vests. Before entering natural bodies of water, assess conditions like currents, water depth, and potential obstructions. Never dive into water of unknown depth, as serious spinal cord injuries can result from hitting the bottom or submerged objects.
The fourth safety principle addresses the risks associated with outdoor grilling. Grills should be placed on a level surface at least ten feet away from deck railings, eaves, or overhanging branches to prevent accidental ignition of structures. Never leave a lit grill unattended, and keep children and pets away from the cooking area, as surface temperatures remain high long after the flames are extinguished.
Safe management of fire also extends to recreational fireworks, which are responsible for thousands of injuries annually, primarily burns. If allowed in your area, only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open space, and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby. A fire extinguisher is recommended for any outdoor cooking or fire pit activity.
Preventing Foodborne Illness and Insect Risks
The fifth core safety guideline focuses on preventing illness from improperly handled food and common summer pests. Foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly in temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, known as the “Danger Zone,” making outdoor picnics high-risk events. Perishable items should not remain unrefrigerated for more than two hours, a window that shrinks to one hour if the ambient temperature exceeds 90°F.
Proper cold storage requires using well-insulated coolers packed with ice or frozen gel packs to keep foods consistently below 40°F. Preventing cross-contamination is important, which involves using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods like salads. Always ensure meat is cooked to its safe minimum internal temperature, verifiable with a food thermometer.
Protection against insects like mosquitoes and ticks is also necessary, as they can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin and clothing, following the product instructions. After spending time in wooded or grassy areas, perform a full body check for ticks. Remove any found immediately with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping close to the skin’s surface.