Summer is a great time for kids to enjoy both indoors and outdoors. However it is important that we keep our kids safe while the enjoy the summer fun.

Here are some summer safety tips

FOOD

It is important to keep these tips in mind while preparing food that are frequently associated with food borne disease.

• wash your hands and food preparation surfaces frequently. You should also wash fresh fruits and vegetables carefully
• to avoid cross contamination, you have to keep  meat, poultry, seafood and eggs  and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods. Bacteria can double every 20 minutes at room temperature which increases your risk of getting sick. Refrigerate  food quickly because cold temperature keeps  most harmful bacteria from multiplying
• cook food to the proper temperature. You have to check the Minimum Cooking Temperatures chart for details on cooking meats, poultry, eggs, leftovers, and casseroles.

SUN

Sun screen is very important for everyone. Your skin is more sensitive to sunlight during pregnancy. A baby’s skin is also thin and easily burns than an older child. This is especially true for babies younger than 6 months.

The sun gives off ultra violet radiation which increases your risk of skin  cancer. It can also increases  aging and gives you bad burns.

Ways to stay safe in the sun

• try to avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Keep babies younger than 6 months in the shade and out of direct sunlight
• it is important to wear a wide brim hat as well as sunglasses that have  99 percent UV protection
• wear lightweight clothing  that cover the arms and legs
• wear sunscreen even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Apply more often when on the beach or at the pool

WATER

These tips can help you keep your baby safe around water.

• never leave a child unattended around water. Babies can drown in as little as an inch of water
• avoid all distractions. Little children need attention when around water
• learn CPR
• invest in  proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (life vests). For kids younger than 5 years old, choose a vest with a strap between the legs and head support.

NOTE

• use an effective insect repellant when playing outdoors
• make your backyard a tick safe zone
• check  yourself and your child for ticks
• check to make sure the surfaces under playground equipment are safe
• children should wear helmets when using the bicycles, scooters or skating board to protect them from serious injuries