Safety: It’s Not Just For On The Job
Summer Outdoor Safety Tips
Spending time outside is a basic tenet of summer. With the 4th of July just around the corner and the beautiful summer days underway, increased outdoor activity brings a whole host of fun, and a few avoidable hazards. Whether you’re camping with the family, hiking solo or exploring nature with friends, or just hanging outside in the back yard, take the proper safety precautions to ensure that you have a fun and worry-free summer. Follow these tips to keep your sunny days safe and memorable.
Avoid a Sunburn
Cases of sunburn in the United States have been increasing over recent years and can lead to Skin Cancer. During the summer months you should always be mindful of your sun exposure. Plan activities for morning or afternoon/evening times when harmful rays are weaker. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and protection against UVB and UVA sunlight. Protect your eyes with UVB/UVA sunglasses and always wear a hat. Even on cloudy days you can get burned without your skin even feeling hot. Stay hydrated, and remember that alcohol can dehydrate you.
Prevent Dehydration and Heatstroke
Increased outdoor activity levels and summer heat can quickly dehydrate your body. Keep water available and bring twice as much as you think you’ll need. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, dizziness and lightheadedness and dry mouth. In extreme heat staying hydrated may not be enough and if your body is unable to keep your internal temperature regulated you can develop heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Heat stroke is diagnosed by an increased internal and external body temperature and a lack of sweating. If someone you know develops heat stroke, get them into a cool place and bring their temperature down with cool cloths and even ice packs. Severe cases of heat stroke may require a trip to the emergency room for IV fluids. Prevent heatstroke by limiting your exposure to high temperature. The elderly and people with chronic conditions are much more susceptible to heat related problems and should limit their exposure to extreme heat.
Build a Safe Campfire
Closing out an eventful day with s’mores around the campfire can be a memorable rite of passage, but only if you do so safely. Avoid starting a fire under dry conditions or in prohibited areas. Keep your campfire away from brush and create a fire pit that’s at least a foot deep and surrounded by rocks to help maintain control.
Preparing and Serving Food
Food left out in the heat during summer months can grow a dangerous level of bacteria. According to the Texas State Department of Health, bacteria like staphylococcus (staph) and Bacillus cereus can produce toxins not destroyed by high cooking temperatures. Foods with dairy, eggs or mayonnaise are of particular concern, because they can go bad in a matter of hours. Keep these items in your cooler until you are ready to serve then return them immediately when people are finished. When in doubt, throw it out.
Safe Grilling Techniques
Store raw meat in a separate cooler to prevent cross contamination. For best results when grilling, let the grill heat up for 20 minutes before cooking. Allow meat to thaw fully before grilling. Bring a meat thermometer to test the meat temperature. Grills can brown the outside of the meat quickly, leaving the inside under cooked. Minimum internal temperatures should be 145 degrees for steak, 160 degrees for ground beef, 150 degrees for pork, 165 degrees for chicken and 140 degrees for hot dogs. Use separate utensils and dishes for the cooked meat and refrigerate any leftovers within one hour.
Don’t Feed the Wildlife
Watching critters eat human food can be cute, but it’s dangerous — for both you and the animal. Feeding wildlife not only upsets their natural diet, but it can also encourage them to become more aggressive and grow accustomed to human interaction.
Keep Mosquitos Away
These pests are more than annoying; they can spread disease as well. Though mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, they can bite at any time, so make sure you and your loved ones use effective repellents and apply them routinely.
Follow these tips for the safe use of insect repellent and avoiding stings and bites.
- Pick a repellent that contains DEET.
- Avoid repellent/sunscreen combination sprays. Use two different sprays.
- Apply repellent to your hands and then spread carefully on your face.
- Assist children and avoid getting any on their hands or anywhere near their eyes or mouth.
- Avoid heavy perfumes and scents.
- Guard sugary drinks and food that will attract insects.
Take Selfies Carefully
Posting a photo of yourself in front of the Grand Canyon may be tempting, but it’s not worth risking your life. In the first eight months of 2016, 73 people died from selfie accidents — nearly double that of 2015. The most common cause is falling, so be thoughtful about where and when you take photos.
Pack a Safety Kit
If you plan on going for a long hike, especially in the backcountry, pack a bag with essentials you would need if you were to get lost. Include food, water, rain protection and warm accessories.
Planning ahead and making smart decisions can help you safely make the most of your outdoor experiences this summer. The same is true on the jobsite and when your life is on the line remember.
