Stay Safe Throughout the Summer Months

Summer 2025 starts on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and adventure. To ensure you enjoy the season to the fullest, here are some important safety tips:

Stay Hydrated

How to Stay Hydrated This Summer

1. Drink Plenty of Water
   Make water your go-to beverage. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, and increase intake during hot weather or physical activity.
2. Eat Water-Rich Foods
   Include fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries in your diet to boost hydration naturally.
3. Avoid Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol
   Both can lead to dehydration, so consume them in moderation and balance with water.
4. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
   Having water on hand encourages regular sipping throughout the day.
5. Set Reminders
   Use phone alarms or apps to remind you to drink water, especially if you often forget.
6. Drink Before, During, and After Exercise
   Hydrate before you start, take breaks to drink during activity, and replenish fluids afterward.
7. Choose Hydrating Beverages
   Herbal teas, coconut water, and diluted fruit juices can add variety while keeping you hydrated.
8. Stay cool and keep sipping to enjoy a healthy, hydrated summer!

Protect Your Skin This Summer

How to Protect Your Skin This Summer

1. Apply Sunscreen Daily
   Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
   Cover up with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to shield your skin from direct sun exposure.
3. Seek Shade
   Avoid being in direct sunlight during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
4. Stay Hydrated
   Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy throughout the hot summer months.
5. Use Sunglasses
   Protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.
6. Moisturize Regularly
   After sun exposure, use a soothing moisturizer or aloe vera gel to help repair and hydrate your skin.
7. By following these tips, you can enjoy the summer while keeping your skin safe and healthy.

Swim Safely

Swimming Safely This Summer

1. Always Swim with a Buddy
   Never swim alone. Having someone with you can make a big difference in case of an emergency.
2. Supervise Children Closely
   Keep a constant eye on kids near water. Even shallow water can be dangerous for young children.
3. Know Your Limits
   Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities. Stay in areas where you feel comfortable and confident.
4. Learn to Swim
   If you don’t know how to swim, take lessons. Swimming is a vital skill that can save your life.
5. Avoid Alcohol
   Don’t drink alcohol before or while swimming. It impairs judgment and coordination.
6. Use Life Jackets
   Wear a life jacket when boating or in deep water, especially for weak swimmers and children.
7. Follow Pool Rules
   Obey all posted signs and rules at pools and water parks to prevent accidents.
8. Be Aware of Weather Conditions
   Avoid swimming during thunderstorms or bad weather to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
9. Stay Hydrated and Use Sunscreen
   Drink plenty of water and protect your skin from sunburn to enjoy swimming comfortably.
10. By following these safety tips, you can have a fun and safe swimming experience this summer. Enjoy the water responsibly!

Avoid Heat Exhaustion

As temperatures rise, it’s important to take steps to prevent heat exhaustion, a condition caused by excessive heat exposure and dehydration. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and cool during the hottest months:

1. Stay Hydrated
   Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you.
2. Wear Appropriate Clothing
   Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothes to help your body stay cool.
3. Limit Outdoor Activities
   Try to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade.
4. Use Sunscreen
   Protect your skin from sunburn, which can affect your body’s ability to cool down.
5. Recognize Symptoms
   Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, move to a cooler place, drink water, and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
6. Use Fans and Air Conditioning
   Keep your living space cool using fans or air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting public places like malls or libraries during extreme heat.
7. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safer and more comfortable summer. Stay cool and take care!

Practicing Food Safety this Summer

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and fresh seasonal produce. However, the warm weather also increases the risk of foodborne illnesses. To keep your meals safe and enjoyable, follow these essential food safety tips:

1. Keep It Clean
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food.
3. Clean all surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards with hot, soapy water.
4. Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or cooking.
5. Separate to Avoid Cross-Contamination
6. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and produce.
7. Store raw meats separately from ready-to-eat foods in your cooler or refrigerator.
8. Cook to the Right Temperature
9. Use a food thermometer to ensure meats reach a safe internal temperature:
10. Poultry: 165°F (74°C)
11. Ground meats: 160°F (71°C)
12. Steaks, chops, roasts: 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest time
13. Avoid partially cooking food and finishing later.
14. Keep Food at Safe Temperatures
15. Keep hot foods hot (above 140°F/60°C) and cold foods cold (below 40°F/4°C).
16. Use insulated coolers with ice packs to keep perishable foods cold during picnics or outings.
17. Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours; if it’s above 90°F (32°C), refrigerate within 1 hour.
18. Be Mindful of Food Storage
19. Store leftovers in shallow containers for quick cooling.
20. Consume or freeze leftovers within 3-4 days.
21. Label and date leftovers to keep track.
22. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the tastes of summer while keeping your family and friends safe from foodborne illness. Stay safe and savor the season!

Be Mindful of Insects This Summer

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, but it also means increased activity from insects. To make the most of your summer while staying safe:

1. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
2. Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Avoid scented lotions and perfumes that attract insects.
4. Keep food covered when eating outside to deter flies and wasps.
5. Check for ticks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas.
6. Remove standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
7. If you encounter bees or wasps, remain calm and move away slowly.
8. By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy a bug-free summer and stay comfortable and safe.

Enjoy your summer responsibly and stay safe!