As the temperatures rise and the sun starts shining, it can only mean one thing – hot summer days have arrived! We all love the many fun outdoor activities like pool time, grilling, and hanging out with family and friends.
While summer is a wonderful time to enjoy it all, we want you to stay safe and healthy with these seven essential outdoor summer safety tips.
Arizona Outdoor Safety Tips
1. Wear Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is a must all year long, but it is especially important during these extreme heat, 100-plus summer days in Arizona. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 for optimal protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply it liberally to all exposed parts of your body and reapply it every two hours if you’re swimming or sweating.
Also, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
“Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is estimated to be associated with 80%–90% of skin cancers, the use of sunscreen — which blocks ultraviolet radiation — is promoted as an important means of preventing skin cancers, as well as sunburn and skin photoaging.[1]
2. Stay Hydrated/Drink Water
Drinking plenty of liquids, particularly water, can prevent dehydration during hot weather. It’s a good idea to sip water throughout the day and take a water bottle with you when you’re out participating in outdoor activities and driving around in your car.
One other critical message about heat and hydration. Do not leave your child in your vehicle – even for a few moments. A child can overheat quickly, with heatstroke beginning when their core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees. A child can die when their body temperature reaches 107 degrees.
3. Stay Safe While Swimming
Swimming is one of the most popular summer activities in Arizona, but it’s essential to be vigilant about water safety. Never let your children swim alone, even in a pool where lifeguards are present.
The group at highest risk of drowning are children aged one to four accounting for 58% of the drowning deaths.[2]
If your kiddos are not confident swimmers, make certain that they wear a life vest/life jacket or use other flotation devices.
4. Stay Safe While Grilling
Grilling is another popular outdoor activity in the summer months, but it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with it. Keep a close eye on the grill and never leave it unattended. Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns while handling hot food, and keep children and pets away from the grill.
5. Protect Yourself From Insects Other Animals
Summer is the peak season for insect bites from mosquitoes, bees, and ticks, which can pose potential threats to our health. Use insect repellent to keep insects at bay, and wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, and pants when possible.
Other Dangerous Animals Include
- The Arizona Bark Scorpion has been labeled one of North America’s most venomous arachnids, and one of the most dangerous globally. Adding to the concern, these scorpions can even reside indoors and will sting if you disturb an object harboring them. If bitten, individuals may encounter symptoms such as difficulty breathing, tingling sensations, and intense pain.
- The brown recluse spider typically inhabits low-traffic areas within a house, where it hides in cracks and crevices and waits for its prey. These spiders are known to thrive both indoors and outdoors. While fatalities resulting from brown recluse spider bites are rare, their bites can lead to the formation of a nasty wound.
- The black widow spider ranks among the world’s most poisonous arachnids, possessing venom that is 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake bite. Thankfully, they do not release all their venom in a single bite. These spiders frequently choose nesting locations in close proximity to small animal burrows, beneath stacks of wood, or around openings in construction areas. Indoors, they tend to favor undisturbed areas like the space behind furniture or underneath desks as potential nesting sites.
- A few other dangerous critters include Rattlesnakes, wood ticks (carriers of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Arizona Coral Snakes, and centipedes.
6. Bike Safety
Wearing a helmet while riding a bike is always a good idea. Cyclists who receive a head injury while riding without wearing a helmet are three times more likely to die than those who are injured while wearing a helmet. Bicycle helmets also prevent serious brain injury in 88% of serious crashes.
7. Keep an Eye on the Weather
Arizona monsoon and summer weather can be unpredictable, with thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and heat waves all posing potential risks. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for any sudden changes.
Final Thoughts for Outdoor Summer Safety Tips for Arizona
These next few months are a fantastic time to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, but keep summer safety in mind by staying alert with these Arizona summer safety tips and being prepared to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Even the best of us who stay vigilant and make preparations for a summer filled with fun activities face accidents. When this happens, know that you have a fast and friendly resource at Heavens Urgent Care. https://heavensurgentcare.com/
For serious injuries, call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room. For other ailments, you can see us in person in Apache Junction. Or if you have a steady internet connection, you can get help through our online virtual urgent care option.
