Getting Prepared for Summer Activities, Part 4

Staying Safe as Play Time Heats Up

As temperatures rise, it’s easy to forget about the risks and simply bask in the joy of waking up to sunny mornings and stepping outside without grabbing a jacket or close-toed shoes. But with the glorious times comes an element of danger as well. And it’s especially important to take precautions if you have kids.

Why not create a summer safety kit?

This way, you can plan ahead and ward off the bug bites, the sunburn, the dehydration and more before they have a chance to ruin your summer. Here are a few ideas of what to include in your summer safety kit:

1. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater
2. Refillable water bottles, filled with water
3. Lightweight, sun-protective layers, including hats with brims
4. Sunglasses
5. Bug repellent
6. First aid kit with all the basics
7. Tweezers (for those nasty splinters!)
8. Epi-pen as needed
9. Calamine lotion

Once the kit is in place, you’ll be much more prepared and confident about heading outside. Try to plan your outside playtime to coincide with early mornings and evenings and you won’t have to worry as much about overheating, sunstroke, sunburn or dehydration. And make sure you check the weather forecast and UV index before you head out.

If you have any ideas of items that you include in your summer safety kit, please let us know in the comments below! Let’s create a safe summer for ourselves and the kids!

-Content created by Sophie Wooding – Writer, gardener, cyclist and emergency preparedness enthusiast!