Summertime is here, and it’s time to spend more time outdoors. Make sure that your family is safe while enjoying all of the sunshine with these summer safety tips.
Food Safety
Your summer BBQs and picnics are the perfect way to spend a day but could result in nasty consequences when food safety is ignored. Foods like potato salad can turn into a case of food poisoning when left out in the heat for too long. You’ll want to keep your food refrigerated until it’s time to eat and make sure that you use coolers in case you’re at a park or someplace away from your kitchen. You can create a temperature control by using large bowls filled with ice under some of your foods to help keep them colder longer. Anything that is meat, dairy, or has mayonnaise in it should be carefully watched. If you think something may be bad, you’ll want to throw it out rather than chance it.
Pests
The great outdoors is a wonderful place to be in the summer months, but there can be a lot of pests that can pose problems for your family. Mosquitoes are one of the first things that come to mind here. To help prevent mosquitoes in your yard, you’ll want to remove any sources of standing water that could be where these pests are breeding. Bird feeders, old pots, dog water bowls, and other containers may be hosting pests. You’ll also want to make sure that your screens are all intact to prevent them from coming into your home. Ants are another problem pest, and you can help keep them away from your home by cleaning up any food sources around your home. This includes your pet’s food and bird feeders.
Protect Your Skin
Sunburn is a problem in the summer, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a particularly sunny day for sunburn to happen. You’ll want to use a high-quality sunscreen and hats. Also, make sure that shade, like a deck or porch, is close by and that you stay hydrated with chilled drinks. Don’t forget that sunscreen needs to be often applied during the day and that it needs to be reapplied even more when swimming.
Your Pets and Summer
Your pets should also be protected during the summer months. You’ll want to make sure that they have shade and water when outside. Also, if you walk your dog and the pavement is hot on your feet, it’s just as hot on your pet’s paws.
It’s important for your yard to stay clear of any dog business to prevent your kids from coming into contact with it. Also, if you have a sandbox, keep it covered as any cats or other animals in the area may be using it as a litter box.
Take Care with Chemicals and Tools
There are plenty of chemicals used during the summer months. This includes lighter fluid, propane, pool chemicals, and gas. Be sure to store these in places where they are safe and secure. Lawn mowers, power tools, and chainsaws should also be stored out of reach of children for safety. When in use, you want to make sure that you follow all of the proper procedures to prevent injury.
These five tips are sure to help make your summer safer for you and your family. Have fun, and get outdoors.