Cookouts, pool parties and backyard gatherings are some of the best parts of the summer season. But while these events are meant to be fun, they can also come with a few health risks people don’t usually think about until something goes wrong.
Luckily, many summer injuries and illnesses can be prevented with a little awareness. Knowing what to watch for and how to keep everyone safer can help you avoid an unexpected trip to the emergency room this season.
Burns and Grill Injuries
Grilling is a big part of many summer gatherings, but grills can cause serious burns if they aren’t used carefully. Grease fires, hot grill grates and even lighter fluid accidents can quickly lead to injuries.
Always keep grills on a flat surface away from children, pets and anything flammable. Never leave a grill unattended while cooking. Use long grilling tools to help protect your hands and arms from burns. It’s also smart to keep a spray bottle or fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
Bug Bites and Bee Stings
Mosquitoes, ticks and bees tend to show up at summer gatherings too. While many bites and stings are simply annoying, some can lead to serious allergic reactions or the spread of illnesses.
Use insect repellent when spending time outdoors and check for ticks after being outside in grassy or wooded areas. If someone has a severe allergy to bee stings, make sure an epinephrine injector is nearby and easy to access.
Food Poisoning
Bacteria grow quickly in warm temperatures. Foods left outside too long can lead to food-borne illnesses that cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Cold foods should stay chilled and hot foods should stay hot. Perishable foods shouldn’t sit outside for more than two hours, or one hour if temperatures are very high. Wash hands before preparing food and use separate plates for raw and cooked meats.
Water and Playground Injuries
Pools, trampolines and rough play can all lead to injuries. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, especially with young children nearby.
Never leave children unattended around water, even for a moment. Running near pools can lead to slips and falls, so remind everyone to walk carefully. Enforce safety rules on trampolines and limit rough-housing as much as possible.
Heat Illnesses
Hot weather can put a lot of stress on the body, especially during outdoor parties where people spend hours in the sun. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating and muscle cramps. Heat stroke is much more serious and may cause confusion, fainting or a very high body temperature.
Encourage guests to drink water often, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Set up shaded areas where people can cool off and take breaks from the heat. Older adults, young children and people with heart problems are especially at risk.
Summer gatherings should be remembered for fun times, not medical emergencies. Following these tips can help keep everyone safer and healthier so a good time can be had by all.
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