Summer safety: Tips for keeping your summer fun and safe

Summer holidays provide the perfect time to enjoy sunshine, fresh air and time with loved ones. When you’re celebrating these holidays, it’s important to make sure everyone stays as safe as possible. Here are a few ways to keep your summer safe and fun.

Grill with safety in mind

Summer holidays often mean having an outdoor meal with your loved ones. If you’re planning to use your grill to make any kind of food, make sure you do so safely. Keep your grill away from the exterior of your home, along with any other close flammable structures. Your grilling space should also be away from pets and kids to reduce the risk of injuries, such as burns.

Check your grill to make sure it’s working right before using it, and make sure it’s fully turned off when you’re done.

Practice pool safety

Spending the summer holidays outdoors might include swimming in a pool. Practice pool safety by making sure kids and pets are always supervised when they’re in or around the pool. Have life vests or flotation devices handy for those who can’t swim. Don’t allow anyone to run around the outside of the pool, since this surface can be highly slippery. Also make sure everyone in the pool stays away from drains or pipes.

Ensure food safety

Summer holidays usually involve plenty of food that’s eaten outdoors. Avoid leaving perishable foods sitting out in the sun and heat, since this can raise the risk of food poisoning. Refrigerate perishable foods or toss them if needed. Also keep food and drinks outside covered, so they won’t attract wasps, hornets, ants and other insects or pests.

5 Tips for Sheltering Without Power

A power outage can happen anywhere. Even if you don’t live in an area prone to extreme weather or natural disasters, it’s crucial to know what to do if you lose power for an extended period. Here are some of the best ways to prepare for sheltering at home without power:

Get an Emergency Weather Radio

Emergency weather radios are extremely helpful in any extreme weather situation. Many of them operate using batteries, hand cranks or even solar power, making them usable when you’re stuck at home without power. With an emergency radio you can monitor any extreme weather conditions and stay informed while staying safe inside.

Gather Alternative Light Sources

Flashlights and extra batteries are a staple for power-outage preparedness. Have a flashlight for each person in your household so that everyone has an individual light source. Headlamps and camping lanterns are also excellent to have when without power, as they can illuminate the area while leaving your hands free for other tasks.

Stock Up on Water & Non-Perishable Food

Create an emergency preparedness kit with enough drinking water and food for everyone in your household. It’s recommended to have a minimum of 3 days worth of water and food to prepare for a power outage or other emergency. To expand your disaster kit menu, consider keeping a portable camp stove to heat up canned goods.

Keep Everyone Warm

Power outages are common in heavy snowstorms and other cold weather events, which means it’s crucial to prepare for lower temperatures. Emergency blankets, spare jackets and cold weather accessories like gloves or hats will keep you comfortable and safe if it gets cold at home. To conserve heat, stay together in one room with the doors closed.

Consider a Portable Generator

Having a backup generator can be a smart investment, especially if you live in an area prone to severe weather. A portable generator will allow you to charge your cell phones and other devices to stay connected to emergency services, friends and family. A generator also gives you greater flexibility with your other emergency supplies. For example, you can use it to power an electric kettle, hot plate and heavier-duty heat lamps.

Whether a power outage lasts a few hours or a few days, being prepared will help you stay calm as well as safe in case of emergency.