🌞 Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Safety This Summer 🌞

By Samantha Simmons, MS

Summer is the season for sunshine, fresh air, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking your favorite trail, lounging at the beach, or hosting backyard BBQs, being outside feels good—and it is good for your health. But summer also comes with its share of hidden hazards, from high heat and biting bugs to surprise wildlife encounters. The key to a safe and enjoyable season? A little preparation goes a long way.

In this all-in-one guide, we’ll cover how to protect yourself and your family from common summertime risks so you can soak up the sunshine without the stress.

🦟 Pests to Watch: Ticks & Mosquitoes

When you're out enjoying the summer air, the last thing you want is a bite from an uninvited guest. Ticks and mosquitoes aren't just a nuisance—they can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and West Nile virus.

These pests thrive in warm, humid environments and are most active during the summer months. Fortunately, a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping them at bay.

🔹 How to Stay Bug-Free Outdoors:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially in wooded, grassy, or marshy areas.

• Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin, an insecticide safe for fabric.

• Stick to the center of trails to avoid brushing against tick-prone vegetation.

• Do a full-body tick check after outdoor activities—pay close attention to warm, hidden areas like behind the knees and underarms.

• Shower within two hours of being outdoors to help wash away ticks and reduce risk of infection.

• At home, eliminate standing water in birdbaths, buckets, and planters to prevent mosquito breeding.

• Use window screens and keep doors closed to keep bugs out of indoor spaces.

  
  

If you do find a tick, remove it carefully with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area, and watch for symptoms like rash, fever, or fatigue. For mosquito bites, avoid scratching and use anti-itch creams or cold compresses to relieve discomfort.

Heat Safety: Stay Cool, Stay Smart

The summer sun can be intense, and excessive heat can sneak up on you. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks, especially during strenuous activity or when spending long hours in the sun.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and headache. If these symptoms appear, it’s time to cool down—fast.

To stay safe in high temperatures:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.

• Schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening.

• Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors when possible.

  
  

If someone is overheating, move them to a cooler area, offer water, and use cold compresses or a damp cloth to lower their temperature. Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen.

 Nature’s Itchy Surprises: Poison Ivy & Wildlife

It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of the great outdoors—but some plants and animals should be admired from afar. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can cause itchy, blistering rashes if you come into contact with them. Learn to identify these plants and avoid touching unfamiliar greenery.

Wildlife encounters can also be risky. Feeding or approaching animals puts both them and you in danger. Keep food sealed, dispose of trash properly, and observe animals from a respectful distance. Remember: if it’s wild, let it stay wild.

🌲 Summer Done Right: Your Safety Checklist

Spending time outside is good for your mind, body, and spirit. With just a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself and others from some of summer’s most common hazards.

Here’s your quick summer safety checklist:

✅ Use insect repellent and check for ticks after being outside

✅ Stay hydrated and take breaks from the heat

✅ Wear sun protection: hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen

✅ Avoid poisonous plants and admire wildlife from a distance

With this checklist in mind, you're ready to head outdoors with confidence and peace of mind. So pack your sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottle—adventure is waiting!