Safety Guide for Summer

Before you run for the parks, trails, beaches (or just your backyard), here are five summer safety tips to help you keep everyone in your home—furry folks included—safe.

The great outdoors have never beckoned more than during a wet and wild spring. Use these safety staples to ensure your taste of freedom doesn’t get cut short by heat-related illness and injury

• Sunscreen. Block out dangerous UVB rays to avoid a painful sunburn that could later lead to skin cancer. Pick a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You also want a product that’s water resistant with a minimum SPF of 30.
• Umbrellas. Get extra protection from harmful rays and high temperatures with some portable shade. Whether you’re taking a stroll or plopping down on the lawn, umbrellas offer easy, convenient protection from sun exposure.

Swimming and lounging by the pool are summer standbys, but pools present a mess of safety hazards. On top of teaching everyone in your household basic water safety, keep your pool days splashy instead of scary with these smart safety measures.

• Pool Fence. If the pool is at your home, it’s worth it to add a secure barrier that keeps little ones and pets from sneaking in. Whether your pool is in-ground or above-ground, there are affordable fencing options available. 

Yard work is par for the course during the summer months. And if you do it right, you can improve your safety quotient right along with your curb appeal.

• Lock up tools. It’s easy to leave gardening tools, hoses, or even the lawnmower sitting out when you finish a big project. But these items are dangerous for children and pets. Always put tools away, and add a lock to your garage, shed, or tool chest to keep curious hands out.
• Secure chemicals. Fertilizer, bug sprays, and plant chemicals are often poisonous. Never use old beverage containers (like gallon jugs or 2-liter soda bottles) to store dangerous chemicals because kids might mistake them for a tasty drink. And always lock up hazardous lawn-care helpers when you’re done using them.
• Eliminate hidey-holes. Unkempt hedges and piles of branches and other yard waste are open invitations to adventurous little ones and would-be burglars. Don’t give anyone a place to hide in your yard. Keep ornamental landscaping trimmed and promptly pick up any clippings.

With planes grounded and amusement parks shut down, it’s the perfect year to hit the open road. But before you do, make sure you’re set up for success with these road trip safety essentials

• Fire Extinguisher. You’re never going to miss having a fire extinguisher in your car until you need one. Be prepared to stop a small blaze from growing out of control with a car fire extinguisher. Look for one with a secure mounting bracket for safe travel.
• Pet Restraints. Kiddos aren’t the only ones who need to be secured in a moving vehicle. Make sure your four-legged friends can travel safely too. Whether you choose a buckle-in harness or tie down a crate in the back, don’t pull out of the driveway without the right car safety setup for your fur babies.

The pandemic may be "over," but my family just had another bout with it and we had to protect vulnerable family members, so I think these are still good reminders (even four years on!). Thanks to COVID-19, even longstanding traditions like the family road trip need some safety tweaks. Keep these tips in mind if you're hitting the road this summer.

• Skip risky visits. Avoid visiting anyone who's either been sick or is at high risk for COVID-19. It's a bummer to skip your great aunt Mary when you're in her city, but it's more important to do your part to help keep her safe and healthy.
• Pack personal protective gear. Things like face masks, hand sanitizer, hand soap, and sanitizing wipes are a must. Stock up (but don't hoard more than you need!) so you don't have to go on the hunt for these precious provisions during your cross-country trek.
• Pick your destination carefully. Steer clear of crowded places like amusement parks, high-traffic national landmarks, and enclosed spaces like museums. Use these safety "restrictions" as a challenge to discover new things you'd never explore normally.
• Limit stops along the road. Every time you leave your car, you're increasing risk—both for yourself and those you come in contact with. Grab all the snacks at once (or use drive throughs) and try to space out bathroom breaks. Whenever you stop, be sure to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before climbing back into your car.

Vacations are meant to help us relax and recharge, but it’s difficult to do if you’re worried about your home. Add some extra security before you hit the road so that the only stress you leave with is the inevitable chorus of “are we there yet?”

• Fireworks Safety Tips
• 10 Safety Tips for Taking Your Kids on Vacation
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• July Home Maintenance Safety Checklist
• August Home Maintenance Safety Checklist
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