10 Tips for a Safe Summer

A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than one that is partially filled. If the cooler is only partially filled, pack the remaining space with more ice or with fruit and nonperishable foods such as peanut butter, jelly, and cheddar cheese. Meat or poultry may be packed while still frozen so it stays colder longer; however, make sure it is fully thawed and cooked thoroughly before eating. Keep raw meat and poultry wrapped separately—or packed into separate plastic containers—away from cooked foods and raw foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Keep your cooler in the air-conditioned passenger compartment of your car, rather than in a hot trunk. When you park, move the cooler to the shade. Limit the times the cooler is opened and be sure to close it quickly.

Every year lightning kills about 100 people. Children should be taught to seek safe shelter before a storm begins. If no shelter is available, they should get to an open space and squat low to the ground as quickly as possible and kneel or crouch with their hands on their knees.

Kids love the crash, bang, boom of fireworks—and summer's celebrations are full of these explosive bursts of light. Smoldering fireworks have seriously burned children, so it's best to pay attention to these safety warnings by the AAP. Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars, and disfigurement that can last a lifetime.

Even fireworks that are often thought to be safe, such as sparklers, reach temperatures above 1,000 degrees F, and can burn users and bystanders. The AAP recommends prohibiting public sale of all fireworks, including those by mail or Internet, and encourages parents to attend professional fireworks displays instead of using fireworks at home.

With an extra ounce of parental supervision and some important summer safety education for you and your family, all of you can relax, kick back, and enjoy some fun and sun!