Keep your summer celebration happy this year by following these safety tips.

Picnic safety

• Keep children away from campfires and grills to prevent burns. Check for gas leaks, blocked tubes, and overfilled propane tanks to prevent fires or explosions.
• Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of grilled foods.
• Don’t leave picnic food out all day. Hot summer temperatures can quickly invite food-borne illnesses. Don’t leave food sitting out for more than one hour when the temperature is above 90° F and not more than two hours otherwise.
• Keep foods that should be kept cold in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer packs (at a maximum of 40° F). Meat, seafood, eggs, and mayonnaise are especially prone to spoiling, but any food can become contaminated.
• Don’t leave packed coolers in the hot trunk of car.
• Wash hands before and after handling food. Disinfect food preparation areas.
• Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods.

Bug and bee sting safety

• Cover foods and beverages outdoors to discourage bees and wasps.
• Use insect repellent to repel mosquitoes.
• Use netting over infants.
• In areas where ticks are common, wear shoes, long sleeves, and long pants tucked into boots or socks. Check thoroughly for ticks after being outdoors.
• Avoid fragranced body products, bright colors, and sugary drinks to avoid attracting bees.
• If someone is stung, remove the stinger by gently scraping the site with a credit card. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching.
• Keep an emergency anaphylaxis kit handy if someone is allergic to insect stings. Allergic reactions include coughing, difficulty breathing, hives, dizziness, fainting, and profuse sweating. If any of these symptoms are present, seek emergency care immediately.
• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding ahead of time by emptying pots or containers outdoors that collect water.

Fireworks safety

• If fireworks are a part of your celebration, store and use them safely. Know the rules and codes for firework usauge in your area.
• Keep children away from fireworks at all times. Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• If you are using sparklers, stand six feet apart and hold them away from the body. Wear shoes. Don’t wave sparklers or run with them. Drop spent sparklers into a bucket of water.
• Consider attending a fireworks display organized by professionals instead of putting on your own show.