Summer Health and Safety Tips

Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy all our community has to offer! Check out the tips below to help you and your loved ones stay healthy this summer.

Beat the heat and other weather-related risks

• Stay informed about the weather forecast.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• If it is very hot, use air conditioning. If you don't have air conditioning, you can use the Cooling Center Finder Map or List to find a Cooling Center near you.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
• Wear light clothing.

Learn more about preparing for extreme heat and other weather-related risks at www.SchuylerCounty.US/Ready.

Don't get picked by ticks

• Avoid heavily wooded/brushy areas, if possible.
• Dress in light colors to make it easier to spot ticks.
• Apply insect repellent before going outside.
• Check your body and clothing for ticks and shower or bathe once you are back indoors.
• Don't forget to check your pets for ticks, too!

Learn more about preventing illnesses spread by ticks and mosquitos at www.SchuylerCounty.US/Ticks.

Stay safe and cool at the lake or pool

• Take steps to prevent drownings.
  • Make sure everyone knows how to swim and basic water safety skills.
  • Be sure to have at least one adult focused on supervising any children in the water.
  • If you own a pool, make sure to have fences that fully enclose it.
• Be safe while boating.
  • Wear life jackets while boating or spending time in lakes or other waters.
  • Watch out for weather - like thunderstorms - that can make swimming or boating dangerous.
  • Brianna's Law requires all motorboat operators to complete a boating safety course and obtain a certificate.
• Keep adults, kids, and pets away from harmful algal blooms.

Learn more about preventing drownings and other injuries at www.SchuylerCounty.US/Injury.

Don't let food poisoning crash your cookout

• Keep raw meats, poultry, eggs, and seafood separate from other foods.
• Cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the right temperature to kill germs.
• Get foods that can go bad into the fridge or freezer within two hours.
• Wash your hands before, during, and after preparing food.

Learn more about food safety and preventing other communicable diseases at www.SchuylerCounty.US/Communicable.

Have fun in the sun

• Stay in the shade when you can.
• Wear clothing that can help protect your skin from the sun.
• Put on a hat to help protect your head, face, and neck.
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses.
• Wear sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher.
• Learn more sun safety tips.

Learn more about preventing cancer and other chronic diseases at www.SchuylerCounty.US/Chronic.