Summer has arrived, which means it's time for some fun in the sun. You may have already started planning family activities like trips to the beach or vacations throughout the summer. In the following warm weather months, there's a lot to look forward to.
Heat, blazing sunshine, and other hazards may be overlooked amid all the excitement. Summer can be hot, bright, and dangerous; keep everyone's health and safety in mind as you plan your outings. The following summer safety recommendations may assist you avoid accidents, illnesses, and other issues so that you can fully enjoy the season.
Water and Pool Safety
On a hot summer day, taking a dip in the water can be quite rejuvenating. Thousands of individuals are injured or die every year as a result of swimming or boating-related incidents. Drowning is one of the most common causes of preventable deaths in the United States, according to the National Safety Council.
Children under the age of 15 are significantly more likely to be harmed, according to researchers. Keep the following guidelines in mind when visiting a pool, lake, or ocean:
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Keep an eye on the kids at all times. Take turns actively watching any children near the water if you have more than one adult.
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Provide a life jacket with a proper fit for children under the age of 12. Life jackets are required on boats for children, teenagers, and adults.
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Watch anyone who jumps or dives into the water.
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Keep a cellphone nearby in case of an emergency.
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Consider signing children up for swimming lessons before taking them into any body of water.
Skincare for the Summer Months
Sunshine is beneficial to your health. It's necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D and bone health. It may also help you sleep better and enhance your mental well-being. However, too much of it can have negative effects on your skin, including sunburn, dehydration, and a higher risk of skin cancer.
Here are a few suggestions to help you maintain the health of your family's skin during the summer:
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Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and apply it frequently. Choose a sunscreen that contains at least SPF 15 and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Make sure you use it even on cloudy days.
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Keep children under age 1 out of the sun as much as possible. When outdoors, outfit them in lightweight, light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
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Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
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Be extra careful between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Avoiding Heat-Related Complications
Summers can be scorching, with temperatures sometimes surpassing 100°F (37°C). In the heat of summer, your risk of suffering from a heat-related illness rises considerably, putting you at an even higher risk of visits to emergency rooms. The elderly, infants, and people with chronic health conditions are the most vulnerable.
The following suggestions can aid in the prevention of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
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Take precautions against excessive heat warnings. These will alert you before it gets too hot, suggesting that you take action to keep yourself and your loved ones cool, hydrated, and safe.
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Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. A person suffering from heat exhaustion may be sweaty, fatigued, and nauseated. Their skin might also be clammy. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, a high temperature, dry and hot skin, and even seizures.
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Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., stay inside as much as possible.
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Drink a lot of liquids throughout the day, even if you don't feel like it, and urge your kids to do so as well. Water is fine to help you stay hydrated, but if you're going to be outside for an extended period of time, consider drinking sports drinks. Sports drinks will keep you hydrated and replenish the electrolytes that you lose with sweat.
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Never leave children or older adults in a parked car. Temperatures can climb to dangerous levels in fewer than 10 minutes.
Preventing Bug Bites
Mosquitoes are common during the summer season and near a number of recreational lakes. Their bites are often just an itchy nuisance. Some mosquitoes, on the other hand, transmit the West Nile virus, which can cause encephalitis or meningitis in rare cases. Mosquito bites may also induce skin irritation and produce infections.
Ticks can also cause issues. Some of them are disease vectors and once a tick bites, it can transmit those to you.
Here are a few quick tips to prevent bug bites:
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Insect repellent should be sprayed on your clothing, arms, and legs. Avoid getting the repellent on wounds, cuts, sores, and sunburned regions. If your kid puts objects in their mouth, be careful about where you apply the spray so they don't ingest it. Wash off the bug spray as soon as you step back in.
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Avoid going outside when bugs are most active, which is generally at sunrise and sunset.
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Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and close-toed shoes or boots are advised when doing yard work or going on a hike to avoid tick bites.
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Check for ticks before coming indoors and immediately remove any you find.
Safety at Picnics
Is it really summer if you haven't eaten outside at least once? While dining al fresco may be enjoyable, food poisoning becomes a more serious hazard during the warm season. That's because bacteria grow quicker in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 140°F and can double in number within 20 minutes.
Whether you're cooking food outside or packing ready meals to carry, here are a few picnic safety guidelines to bear in mind:
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Clean and sanitize your cooler, cooking tools, and all containers you’ll be using to transport foods to your picnic site.
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Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-serve. Avoid using the same utensils between raw and ready-to-serve foods, too.
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Keep food cold below 40°F(4°C) and hot above 140°F(60°C) until you're ready to eat them. Store leftovers in the fridge within two hours, or one hour if it’s above 90°F(32°C) outside. Throw away perishable foods left out too long as they would already be spoiled with bacteria.
Keeping the Family Safe in the Playground
In addition to offering an excellent location for young children to release steam, playgrounds also offer great opportunities for family time. However, climbing, hanging, swinging, and sliding have their risks. Kids may trip, fall, scrape their knees, and encounter various other injuries as a result of this play, with summer adding burns to the possibilities.
Here are a few ways to keep your kids safe on community playgrounds this summer:
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Keep a vigilant eye on children when they walk or run by swings, and make sure they maintain a safe distance to avoid being accidentally kicked.
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Avoid swinging with young children in your lap.
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To prevent burns, test the slides with your hand before your children slide down.
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Look for exposed bolts and any sharp edges on equipment.
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While playing, follow sun and heat safety recommendations to avoid sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Keep cool by retreating to shaded areas or going indoors for a break. Bring enough water so that everyone may remain hydrated.
Safety for Pets
Dogs enjoy being outdoors as well. They, just like people, can benefit from fresh air and sunshine. Dogs are also susceptible to a variety of injuries and illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, burns, and other conditions.
If you plan to include your canine companion in your family’s summer fun, here are a few safety tips to note:
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Bring a water bowl and make sure your dog stays hydrated.
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Be sure your dog has access to a shady area to escape the sun’s rays and heat.
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Spending too much time outside, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., is dangerous. If at all feasible, schedule walks for early mornings or late afternoons.
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Before allowing your dog to walk on the pavement, check it with the back of your hand. Wait to go for a walk or put booties on their paws if necessary to protect their paw pads.
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Be mindful of your dog’s breed. Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are more susceptible to breathing issues and overheating than others are.
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Never leave dogs unattended in a parked car.
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Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccines as well as their flea and tick preventatives.
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Don't leave your dog unattended in the water if you take them swimming. A canine life jacket with a good fit is also an excellent idea.
Memorable Summer Experiences at Liv MultiFamily
There's a lot of enjoyment to be had during the summer months. Liv wants to assist you in having fun every season in our Ludington Multifamily community. You'll have no trouble finding things to do right outside your front door with amenities like playgrounds, saltwater swimming pools, and walking paths. If you need to escape the heat, you can spend time in our community center or hang out in your comfortable, modern apartment. We are also near to a variety of interesting sites, including shopping, museums, and restaurants.
Are you eager to enjoy life to the utmost this summer and well into the future? Visit Liv now to discover your ideal community.
