Tuesday's Tip: Summer Outdoor Safety

With summer upon us I thought it would be good to post some summer safety reminders. You can keep you and your family safe with just keeping a few things in mind.

• Avoid sunburn. Wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied at least every two hours. Use water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
• Stay hydrated. Drink at least eight cups of fluid a day, or more if physically active. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink. By then you are already on your way to being dehydrated.
• Drinking alcohol while in the hot sun greatly speeds up the effects of alcohol. Just a few beers and the sun and you better make sure you have extra water and some good hangover cures.
• Don't leave small children unattended around open water such as swimming pools and garden ponds.
• Make sure swimming pools are covered when not in use if you have small children.
• Avoid being outside in the evening and early mornings when mosquitoes are prevalent. If you're planning outdoor activity, bringing an insect repellent to help ward off mosquitoes. There are other ways to avoid bites. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, and long pants tucked into boots, can be effective. Also keep doors, tents and window screens in good repair, and get rid of standing water — prime mosquito breeding grounds — around the house.
• To keep bees away, wear light-colored clothing and avoid scented soaps and perfumes. Also, don't leave food, drinks, and garbage out uncovered.
• Make sure all water activity rules are followed properly. Swim in only designated areas. Obey all posted signs. All children must wear life jackets when boating. Be observant to others around you.
  
• Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike, scooter or skateboard ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets.
  

Don't forget about your pet.

• Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets so they can stay cool and hydrated during the warm weather.
• Be careful with the use of fertilizers and other products around the lawn and garden. Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
• Though pets need exercise even when it's warm, take extra care when exercising older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and dogs with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Remember that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Summer is flea and tick season, so make sure your flea and tick treatment is recommended by your veterinarian.