At last. It’s finally here! The season for warm weather, grilling, picnics, water activities, travel, and outdoor fun! Practicing common sense and safety will keep you looking good, feeling good, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.

Food Safety

• Wash hands with soap and warm water before handling food and after handling raw poultry or meat.
• To prevent cross-contamination of bacteria, keep raw meats away from other foods.
• Cook foods thoroughly, especially ground beef, poultry, and pork.
• Refrigerate all perishable food within two hours.

Fire Safety

• Before using a grill, clean it to remove any grease or dust. Check for gas leaks.
• Use the grill outside, not in a garage, porch, or other enclosed space.
• If you use a fire pit, put out the fire completely before leaving it unattended.
• Do not park your vehicle on grass; hot exhaust can ignite dry vegetation.

Water Safety

• Don’t swim alone.
• Wear a life vest while boating.
• Supervise children at all times in and near the water.

Sun Safety

• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it generously throughout the day.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Travel Safety

• Don’t drink and drive or travel with anyone who has been drinking.
• Wear your seatbelt at all times.
• Make sure your vehicle has been serviced before a long road trip.
• Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and know where the nearest emergency room is in case of an emergency.

Camper Safety

• When opening your camper for the season, change all batteries.
• Check for fully charged and serviced fire extinguishers.
• Have a plan for what to do in emergencies.
• Check for any leaks, like water or gas.