[This article was first published in August 2018. It has been revised and expanded for this summer.]

Summer is a season for getting outside and enjoying the outdoors. It’s a time for fun activities and family outings.

But it can also be a time of unexpected injuries, unfortunate encounters with the elements, and spoiled adventures.

Staying Safe by Staying Cool

It's no secret that this has been a hot summer already and that 2023 may be one for the record books.

One weather news story from early July 2023 stated that the Southwest United States is about to endure a heat wave that could rank among its worst in history — in both intensity and longevity. and the same article noted that,

"Computer models that project the weather 16 days into the future “do not show an end to this heat wave,” the Weather Service wrote in a discussion. “This should go down as one of the longest, if not the longest duration heat wave.”

Then there's the heat that is baking much of Texas, the Mississippi region, and Florida that is a major cause for concern. 

Yet, despite the heat and - in many places - the rain and flooding, people are still going to be out and trying hard to enjoy their summer.

So, what should you be doing?

Playing it safe for the summer is the key to enjoying the season to the fullest. And that means knowing in advance what to do, what to watch for, and what to avoid. While you can’t prevent every accident, illness, unpleasant event, or every insect bite, you can certainly take steps to minimize them.

Summer hazards run the gamut from heat stroke and sunburn to dehydration and poison oak. Add to the mix water hazards, bees, horse flies and mosquitoes, and bad potato salad at the family picnic, and you have the potential for some inconvenient unpleasantness.

The Most Common Threats of Summer

Broadly speaking, there are essentially three major areas of concern when it comes to summer safety:

• Mother Nature

• Personal Safety

• Situational Awareness

Mother nature presents a number of potential threats ranging from sunburns and heat stroke, to dehydration, to poisonous plants, animals and insects. With the rise of diseases such as the Zika virus and Lyme disease, that last one has become a real concern.

As for personal safety, this can mean everything from wearing proper equipment when engaging in summer activities, to making sure someone else knows where you are or where you’re going at all times. For children and older adults this can be a matter of great concern.

Situational awareness is a somewhat vague term perhaps, but it relates to driving defensively, navigating crowds safely, always being aware of where your children are (or where you yourself are!) and the passing of time. Too often, in the joy of summer fun, we can lose track of when we last drank water or how long we’ve been in the sun, for example.

Here is a handy checklist that outlines some major summer safety tips to help you enjoy your summer season without fear:

There some common issues that most everyone who is outdoors during the summer months must be aware of, whether they are out having fun, running errands, or hard at work.

Here are five tips for staying save this summer:

1. Stay hydrated: As temperatures rise, it's essential to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Carry a water bottle with you and make sure to drink fluids regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary or alcoholic beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.

2. Protect yourself from the sun: Sunburns and overexposure to the sun can have harmful effects on your skin and overall health. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF before going outdoors, and reapply every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming. Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.

3. Practice water safety: Whether you're swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, it's crucial to prioritize water safety. If you're not a strong swimmer, use a life jacket or other flotation device. Supervise children closely around water and never leave them unattended. If you're boating, ensure that everyone on board wears a life jacket, and be aware of local boating regulations and potential hazards.

4. Be cautious with outdoor activities: Summer is a great time to engage in outdoor activities, but it's important to take precautions. When participating in sports or exercising outdoors, warm up properly and know your limits. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, and listen to your body if you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or experience any other signs of heat exhaustion.

5. Prevent insect-related illnesses: Insects such as mosquitoes and ticks can carry diseases like West Nile virus, Lyme disease, or Zika virus. Protect yourself by wearing insect repellent with DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients. If you're spending time in wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin. After spending time outdoors, check yourself and your family for ticks and promptly remove them if found.

Remember, these tips are general guidelines, and it's always important to consider your specific circumstances and any additional safety precautions that may be necessary in your location. Stay safe and enjoy your summer!

Get Help with Summer Junk Removal

Another summer activity that may not be considered “fun” is cleaning and upkeep around the house and yard. And this can mean having to haul away large amounts of junk or landscaping debris. Or maybe you’re going to use the summer to finally do that kitchen makeover. This can generate a lot of trash and debris, as well.

Let us help with our friendly and professional team of junk hauling experts.

Once you decide to get rid of all the junk you've gathered during your cleaning project, you will need to determine which firm is the right one for the job. While you could hire someone your cousin knows, or do it yourself, Junk King really is the firm of choice.

That's because Junk King provides an efficient, safe and eco-friendly junk disposal service. That means you don’t have to worry about the pick up or disposal of the debris after your project is complete.

Our team specializes in large waste removal and trash hauling. We can be at your facility in mere minutes, so call us today! Our crew is fully insured and well-trained, so you can trust them to get rid of your unwanted items in a professional and courteous fashion.

One of the best things about hiring Junk King is that we recycle much of the material we pick-up. This is proof of our commitment to being an eco-friendly removal service. If you have questions about what we do or what we believe, give us a call at 1.888.888.JUNK (5865).