Have a Safer Summer Holiday

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sun exposure can damage your skin in as few as 15 minutes. Here are their suggestions for beating the burn:

• Always wear protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to exposed skin before you go outside, even on cloudy or cool days and when you plan to be in the shade. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Check your sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen has a shelf life of no more than three years, which is shortened if exposed to high temperatures.
• Protect your eyes — they can get sunburned, too. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays for the best protection.
• Wear a hat with a full brim that shades your face, ears and the back of your neck.

Thinking of creating your own fiery display? The National Council on Fireworks Safety has plenty of tips:

• Fireworks should be used outdoors only.
• Do not drink alcohol and use fireworks.
• Do not hold a firework in your hand unless specifically stated in the caution label.
• Do not use homemade fireworks, professional fireworks or illegal explosives, which can be fatal.
• Have water ready, both in a bucket and in a charged hose.
• Light only one firework at a time and never relight a ‘dud’ firework.
• Obey local laws.
• Soak used fireworks (including duds) with water and place them in a nonflammable trashcan outdoors away from houses, garages, decks or flammable items.
• Supervise teens closely if they are using fireworks. Young children should not be allowed to handle fireworks.
• Wear eye protection (safety glasses) whenever using fireworks.

Although sparklers seem like a kid-friendly option, they can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and pose a serious burn danger. Glow sticks make for a fun flame-free alternative to lighting up the night, but if your kids do wind up with sparklers, keep them safe with these tips:

• Ensure your children wear closed-toe shoes.
• Limit use to one sparkler at a time.
• Make sure children hold their sparkler at arm’s length, stay at least 6 feet away from one another, and don’t run with, throw or hand their sparkler to another child.
• Place used sparklers in a bucket of water to help ensure little feet don’t get burned by used sparklers. Even after a sparkler fizzles out, the sticks stay hot and need to be soaked for a few hours before discarding.

Summer holiday weekends tend to be the most dangerous times to be on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard provides these tips for safe boating this summer:

• Always wear a life jacket that's been approved for your activity and fits properly.
• Know state boating laws.
• Take a boater safety course.
• Know your boat's capacity.
• Keep a proper look out.
• Maintain a safe speed.
• Don’t drink alcohol and operate a boat.
• Make sure your boat is properly equipped and that required equipment, including two communication devices, are functioning properly.
• Share your "float plan" with a friend who is not going on the water with you. The plan should include who is going, where you’re going, what your boat looks like and when you expect to be back.

The National Fire Protection Association offers these pro tips for making your holiday barbeque safe and savory:

• Make sure children and pets stay 3 feet from your grill — especially when cooking.
• Never leave your grill unattended while preheating or cooking.
• Never use a propane or charcoal grill indoors.
• Place your grill a safe distance away from your home and any deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Remove grease or fat buildup from your grill’s grates, interior and collection trays below the grilling surface.

Don’t forget about food safety. Avoid using the same cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat food. Rather than washing and reusing these items, use fresh, clean plates, cutting boards and utensils to avoid contaminating food. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked to safe minimum internal temperatures.