[This article was first published in May 2020 and has been expanded and revised.]

Being safe during the summer will allow you to enjoy the season to the fullest. This means knowing in advance what to do, what to watch for, and what to avoid.

After long months of avoiding storms, rain, and snow, you can finally be outdoors and enjoy your summer. But summer can also mean avoiding accidents, sunburn and dehydration among other things. And, no, you can't prevent every unfortunate incident, you can take steps to minimize them.

The Safety Hazards of Summer Fun

With the worst of the recent winter and early spring weather behind us, we can begin to look forward to a traditional summer of "fun in the sun". However, even without the need for everyone to "stay at home" like most of us did just two summers ago, there are still safety hazards to beware of.

For the most part, these include sunburn, heat stroke and even dehydration. And, depending on where you live, you can add to that poison oak, bees, horse flies and mosquitoes. Also depending on where you live, you may have to be aware of various water hazards.

Oh - and don't forget the annual risk of picnic food being  left out in the heat for too long!

Of course, this is not to say that summer is a time to be wary of and avoid at all costs. Quite the contrary. Summer is a great time for getting away on family vacations, going on sight-seeing trips, and for engaging in all kinds of fun activities, sports, and games. Summers are traditionally a time for making memories. 

And being safety-aware and taking simple precautions can help make all those memories good ones.

Common Summer Safety Issues

Summer is a time for families to enjoy outdoor activities and make lasting memories. However, it's important to be aware of potential safety hazards that can arise during this season. By understanding and taking precautions, families can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer experience.

One of the most common safety concerns during summer is excessive heat. Heatwaves and high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. It's vital to stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours. Applying sunscreen regularly and wearing protective clothing can also help prevent sunburns and skin damage.

Water safety is another crucial issue, especially for families with young children.

Drowning incidents increase during summer due to increased water-related activities. Ensure that children are always supervised near water, whether it's a pool, beach, or even a backyard sprinkler. Encourage swimming lessons and the use of appropriate flotation devices for inexperienced swimmers.

Insect-related risks should also be considered. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and check for ticks after spending time outdoors. Additionally, be cautious around areas with stagnant water to avoid breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Outdoor play and sports activities can pose their own set of safety concerns.

Ensure children wear appropriate protective gear such as helmets, knee pads, and life jackets as needed. Teach them about safe practices like looking both ways before crossing streets or wearing reflective clothing when biking or walking at dusk or dawn.

Lastly, be aware of food safety during summer gatherings and picnics. Properly handle and store food to prevent foodborne illnesses. Keep perishable items refrigerated, use coolers with ice packs, and avoid leaving food out in the heat for extended periods.

By being mindful of these common summer safety issues, families can have a fun and worry-free season while prioritizing the well-being of their loved ones.

Be Mindful While Having Fun in the Sun

We realize that not everyone spend their summers traveling, vacationing, and having fun. Many of us work as always and others take advantage of the season to work outdoors and around their homes.

However, it pays to be safe with those activities, as well.

If you like to spend your summers working in your garden or lawn, there's always the risk of injury from tools and equipment, as well as simple aches and sprains from overworking muscles. In fact, not to put an unnecessary "chill" on your summer plans, but getting outside has it's share of risks. 

Put in simple terms, the three major areas of concern when it comes to summer safety are :

• Mother Nature
• Personal Safety
• Situational Awareness

Don't Mess With Mother Nature - And Crowds

The great outdoors offers both beauty and serenity, but also a number of potential threats ranging from heat stroke and dehydration to poisonous plants and insect-borne disease. With the recent threat diseases such as Lyme disease, staying safe and aware while off the beaten path is crucial.

Personal safety addresses such needs as wearing proper equipment for your chosen summer activities as well as making sure someone else knows where you’re going at all times. This is especially important for children and older adults.

When we speak of "situational awareness" we are referring to such things as driving defensively, being aware of where your children are at all times, navigating your way through summer crowds safely, and being aware of how much time has passed since you drank water last.

Dehydration is a much higher risk in summer and, too often, we can be so consumed in what we're doing that we forget to drink enough water or fail to realize how long we’ve been in the sun.

However, the good news is that summer fun can be both fun and safe!

The key is to know what to watch for, what to avoid, and what to do to help ensure a fun, fulfilling and safe summer to remember for years to come. So, in that spirit, we have provided this handy chart that outlines some major summer safety tips to help you enjoy your summer season without fear:

Staying Safely Connected During Summer Vacation

Another hazard that isn't limited to the summer months, but may be more common as more people eagerly get outdoors and get mobile, is cell phone use.

According to the National Safety Council, distracted walking while using a cell phone is a huge problem. This practice is especially dangerous when walking in crowds, crossing streets and negotiating traffic.

Here are a few cell phone safety tips for people traveling during the summer:

1. Password-protect your phone: Set a strong password, PIN, or pattern lock on your phone to protect your personal information in case your device gets lost or stolen.

2. Install security software: Ensure your phone has reputable security software installed, including antivirus and anti-malware apps, to protect against potential threats and secure your data.

3. Keep software updated: Regularly update your phone's operating system and applications. These updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and protect your device from potential exploits.

4. Enable remote tracking and wiping: Enable the "Find My Phone" or similar feature on your device. This allows you to track your phone's location remotely and, if necessary, remotely wipe your data to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Use secure Wi-Fi networks: Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling. Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as banking or personal accounts, on unsecured networks. Instead, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and protect your data.

6. Be cautious with personal information:Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your home address or travel plans, on public platforms or with strangers. This helps minimize the risk of identity theft or targeted attacks.

7. Back up your data: Regularly back up your phone's data, including contacts, photos, and important documents, to a secure location. This ensures you can recover your information if your phone is lost, damaged, or stolen.

8. Be mindful of your surroundings: When using your phone in public, stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid displaying your phone in crowded or unfamiliar areas to reduce the risk of theft or opportunistic crimes.

9. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Be wary of suspicious emails, messages, or links that ask for personal information or financial details. Phishing attacks can target travelers, so exercise caution and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing information to unverified sources.

By following these cell phone safety tips, you can help protect your device, data, and personal information while traveling during the summer. Safe travels!

Professional Help For Your Summer Junk Hauling

Many people have spent the spring months cleaning, decluttering and organizing after a long winter of hunkering down and riding out the weather. As a result, many people now have large amounts of junk or landscaping debris that needs to be picked up and hauled away for proper disposal.

Others are planning to spend their summer finally getting to that kitchen makeover or bathroom remodel. These activities can generate a lot of waste, 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).