All the summer safety tips you need to beat the heat and have risk-free fun in one place 

As the seasons change, new safety risks crop up that parents and caregivers need to be aware of and prepare for. 

In the summer, it’s the high temperatures, beaming sun, and pesky bugs that can cause you trouble. These factors can put a damper on any day.

But with these summer safety tips, you can prepare for whatever the season throws at you, so you can lean all the way into your summer fun.

Hydrate to Feel Great

Whether you’re caring for children or an elderly loved one, hydration should always be the top priority during the summer—especially on those days you spend outdoors.

Wherever you’re headed, bring plenty of water for everyone and then some. If you can’t bring enough to last the trip, make sure you’ll have the chance to stock up and stay hydrated along the way.

A steady supply of water is the first and most important line of defense against dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke—all very real threats in the hot season, especially for children and seniors.

Make Sun Time Safe

Warm days and sunny weather bring everyone outside to play. But with outdoor activities comes the risk of sunburns.

Before you head outside, make sure you, your little ones, and anyone under your care has a healthy coat of sunscreen. And don’t forget to reapply every two to three hours, especially if you’re hitting the pool or beach.

Umbrellas and parasols are also great for sun protection. 

Overall, you should try to limit direct sun exposure as much as possible, and take the proper steps to minimize the harmful effects when you can’t.

Keep it Cool

In the unrelenting summer heat, air conditioning is your best friend. A consistent, comfortably-cool temperature on the thermostat is essential to avoid overheating and dehydration—especially for seniors. 

If your summer plans land you in the sun for a while, you can always bring a handheld fan or mister to keep you and your loved ones cool on the go.

And, of course, always ensure everyone’s dressed appropriately for the hotter weather. 

Store Food Properly

Food goes bad much faster than you might think in the heat, so be mindful of how and where you store it. 

If you’re used to leaving certain types of perishable food out, make a point to put it away sooner than you normally would. And if it looks or smells off, play it safe and toss it.

Bug Protection

Unfortunately, with heat and humidity comes bugs. Lots of bugs.

To protect you and yours from the onslaught of insects, arm yourself with bug spray when on the go, and invest in bug-repellent torches, candles, and fly and mosquito traps for your home. 

Watch Out for Side Effects

This summer safety tip is for all you caretakers out there. 

Certain medications can leave your senior with an increased risk of dehydration. Others may make their skin extra sensitive to sunlight.

Talk with their doctor about potential risk factors, always check the labels on their prescriptions for side effects, and take extra care to keep them hydrated and protected from the sun during the summer months.

Water Safety

Summer is prime pool (and beach) time. And when it comes to water safety, there’s a lot to look out for as a parent or caregiver.

Luckily, we covered everything you need to know in a previous blog. Here are your essential summer safety tips for when it’s time to hit the water:

• Invest in swimming lessons for your little ones.
• Consider getting your CPR and First-Aid certification in case of an emergency.
• Establish and teach water safety rules for the pool and beach (no running on the pool deck, listen to the lifeguards, and, if necessary, always wear floaties).
• Never allow your children or anyone under your care to swim alone or without supervision.
• Prevent unwanted pool access with door monitors, fence locks, or pool covers.
• Always check the weather before you get in the water, and keep an eye on it throughout the day.

Download the Rescu App for Rapid Emergency Response

Unfortunately, the 911 system is rife with staffing shortages nowadays, which often leads to problematic and sometimes even life-threatening delays for victims.

If you want unmatched response times without the risk of delays, the Rescu app is for you.

Rescu is a call-free emergency response system that saves precious seconds and even minutes over the traditional 911 service. 

There’s no need to speak with a dispatcher to get help. Simply open Rescu, tap the service you need (police, fire, or ambulance), and tap Send Alert. In seconds, Rescu’s private monitoring center will dispatch the nearest first response team to your current location anywhere in the United States—no talking required.

When you set up your account, you enter all your relevant personal and medical information, and the app stores it in case of emergency. 

When you send an alert, Rescu instantly sends this info to your dispatcher and first response team so they know exactly who they’re dealing with and how to provide fast, accurate care when they arrive.

And if you’re sending an alert for someone else and you have the time, you’ll always have the option to start a text chat or phone call with a Rescu dispatcher to explain your situation.

For summer safety at home, the beach, or anywhere your vacation plans take you, Rescu has your back twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. 

Learn more on our home page, and click or tap below to download today.