Heat safety

• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle - even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees.• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.Water safety• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.• Actively supervise children; stay within arm's reach of young children and newer swimmers.• Enclose your pool and spa with four-sided, four-foot fencing and use self-closing, self-latching gates.• Wear your life jacket - always when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children's toys and water wings are no substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.• Everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.Picnic safety• Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs. Wash your hands before preparing the food. Don't leave food out in the hot sun.• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don't add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.• Never grill indoors - not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.Fireworks safety• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children.• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.