Summer Safety Tips

Summer. It’s all about fresh air, sunshine and the great outdoors. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a picnic in the park or a trip to the shore, make sure you play it safe all summer long.

Here’s how.

Protect yourself from bugs

Insect repellent with EPA-approved products like DEET can be used to help ward off bugs, especially mosquitoes and ticks.

After being outside, shower and/or inspect yourself and your family for ticks immediately. If you do find a tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers. Call your doctor if you develop any rashes, fever or fatigue within the next one to three weeks.

Keep food safe when outside

Use a meat thermometer to ensure you cook meat and poultry to a safe temperature. Always cook your ground beef to 160 degrees and your chicken to 165 degrees.
When grilling, never put your cooked meat on the same plate you used when it was raw.
Remember to keep your hot food hot and your cold food cold.
When you’re finished eating, refrigerate leftovers right away.

Keep your pool as germ-free as possible

Always shower before going in the pool.
Don’t go in the pool when you have an upset stomach.

Practice sun safety

Try to avoid being in direct sunlight during the middle of the day. That is when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 and UVA and UVB protection.
Wear a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and light clothes to cover exposed skin and block UVA and UVB rays.

Additional Info on Sun Safety

4 Easy Ways to Shade Yourself
Save Your Skin
Sun Exposure FAQ

Drink water safely

Just because water looks clear, doesn’t mean it’s safe to drink. If you’re hiking and come across a lake, river or pond, there may be parasites in the water that can make you sick. To be safe:

Treat or filter the water first.
Bring bottled water from home.

Avoid Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough of the water and fluids it needs to work properly. This happens when you don’t drink enough, or when you sweat a lot, have a fever, vomit, have diarrhea or urinate too much.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration can range from minor to severe and could include: