Top 10 Summer Safety Tips

Enjoying the resident pool or walking paths is a great way to spend some time out in the Florida sunshine. It's easy to forget while all that fun is happening how dangerous the sun can be, so let's go over 10 ways you can keep yourself and your family safe while soaking up some Vitamin D.

1. Wear sunscreen and reapply often – Sunscreen not only protects you from nasty sunburns but also skin cancer. Make sure you reapply every two hours (or as often as the instructions say on your particular brand). For ages 6 months and up, SPF 30 or more is recommended for the best protection. Children under 6 months should avoid sunscreen and instead, stay in the shade.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. – If you are thirsty, you are already starting to slip into dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water (note. WATER, not coffee, sports drinks, soda…you get the point). Water is the best way to hydrate. Fun fact. Your body will benefit more from drinking room-temperature water than ice-cold water because your body will absorb it quicker.
3. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm). – The sun is at it's strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to avoid being out for too long during those periods of time. There is plenty of sunlight in the early morning hours to enjoy without the fear of getting hit with those stronger sun rays.
4. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to keep cool. – Dark colors absorb the sun's rays and tight-fitting clothes don't let your skin breathe while out in the heat. Add some color to your summer wardrobe and leave the darker colors for the fall. Bonus points if you can find clothing that is rated for UV protection.
5. Put shoes on your pet – Yes. You read that right. Put shoes on your pet if you plan to take them outside on the hot pavement. A way to tell if the pavement is too hot for your furry friend is to put the back of your hand on the pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If you can't hold your hand there for the full seven seconds, it's too hot for your fur friend's paw pads and they need protection.
6. Use insect repellent to prevent bug bites. – Just like with sunscreen, make sure to read the instructions when applying and reapplying. It's suggested you only apply bud repellent to your clothes and exposed skin. Avoid your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth as well as any areas that are irritated. And never apply near open flames or lit cigarettes.
7. Be cautious around bodies of water, and never swim alone.- Alone time is great, but when it comes to swimming, having a buddy nearby is best. If you plan to go into the water, have someone else around just in case something happens. Especially when swimming in bodies of water that have a current and can pull you away from the safety of the shoreline.
8. Keep food and beverages properly refrigerated to avoid food poisoning. – Summer picnics are a great way to spend time outdoors. Avoid food poisoning by keeping food at the right temperature. A good rule of thumb is whatever temperature it's bought at, it should be kept at. Cold foods should stay cold and hot foods hot. Always read your labels just in case something should be refrigerated after opening.
9. Stay informed about weather conditions and take appropriate precautions during extreme heat or storms. – Turn on your notifications for weather alerts and download a reliable weather service app.
10. Practice fire safety when grilling – Keep a spray bottle with water on hand to keep the smaller flames from getting too big and a fire extinguisher just in case anything gets out of hand.

No matter how you spend your summer, make sure to play it safe.