8 Smart Tips to Keep Everyone Safe This Summer

Hot, sunny, summer days beckon us to come outside, play and swim. It’s important to keep ourselves and our families free from harm while we’re enjoying our summertime activities. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you and your family stay safe and healthy this summer.

  1. Apply Sunscreen

Painful burns and blisters from a sunburn can make you miserable, and they also increase the risk of getting skin cancer down the road. Don’t wait until you get into the sun to slather on sunscreen. It takes 15 minutes or so to start protecting you.

Add sunscreen that has at least a 15 SPF to your daily routine. Rub it into your skin right after toweling off from your shower. Take a bottle with you and reapply throughout the day to stay protected from the summer sun’s strong rays.

  1. Use Bug Spray

You want to enjoy snacks, not be the snack! Before stepping outside or heading to a picnic, sporting event or party, spray yourself down with bug spray. If you don’t, mosquitoes may eat you alive and cause large, itchy bumps that take days to get rid of. Some mosquitoes also carry diseases like West Nile Virus.

If you don’t want to use the chemicals most bug repellents contain, go online and find an all-natural bug spray. You’ll need to use it more often, but they are highly effective at preventing bites.

  1. Update Your First-Aid Kit … in Your House AND Vehicle

Being outside exposes your family to more scrapes, burns, cuts and bruises than they get sitting in front of the TV during the winter. Prepare yourself by updating your first-aid kit with fresh alcohol wipes, bandages, anti-itch cream, antibiotic ointment, and anything else you think you’ll need. Buy double and put a twin kit in your car for emergencies at the pool or ball field.

  1. Practice Safe Grilling

Outdoor summer grilling increases your chances of burning yourself or catching something on fire. First, make sure your grill is in good working order and give it a good scrub before you use it. Always pay attention to the grill while you’re cooking to make sure it doesn’t get too hot. Use the proper tools, such as oven mitts to open the grill. Also, make sure your grill is 3 feet from wood porch railings, furniture or anything else flammable.

  1. Wear Reflective Clothing

Walking your dog or taking an evening stroll may be one of the things you look forward to most during the summer months. However, drivers who aren’t paying attention to the road or who are speeding can hit you and cause serious injury.

Always wear reflective clothing when you’re walking, running, or riding your bike on a public road. This helps motorists see you more quickly and have a better chance of slowing down and avoiding you. If you’re walking dogs, put them in reflective collars and leashes, too.

  1. Eyeball Your Kids’ Play Areas

Whether it’s on a playground or at a friend’s home, walk around where your child will be playing to make sure there aren’t any dangerous items lying around. Nails, broken bottles and other glass needs to be picked up before letting your child play. Also look at swing sets, jungle gyms, and merry-go-rounds to make sure they’re well-attached and don’t have any jagged pieces sticking out.

  1. Be Vigilant Around Water

Enjoying the lake or pool is one of the best summer pastimes. If you have a pool, install locked gates around it, so children can’t find a way in when they’re unsupervised. Invest in swimming lessons as soon as possible with your children, and take a CPR class before heading out to your favorite swimming location this summer. Finally, make sure you keep your eyes on your children anytime they’re in the water.

  1. Require Helmets Always, Everyday

A bicycle, motorcycle, or skateboard accident can end up causing serious head injuries. Use properly fitted helmets as protection anytime you and your family are engaging in these fun activities. It’s far easier to wear a helmet than to deal with long-lasting brain trauma.

Summer is the time to get outside and enjoy the activities you love. Take advantage of the fresh air and sunshine, but don’t forgo caution. By proactively following these tips, you can avoid accidents and keep you and your family safe and healthy.