Summer Vacation Safety Tips

cartoon family traveling

Summer Vacation Safety Tips

Summer vacation is a time for relaxation and outdoor fun, but it’s also a time to be extra cautious. Unfortunately, summer vacation safety is usually the last thing on anyone’s mind.

It doesn’t matter if you are going away on vacation, or planning the ultimate staycation this summer, safety should always come first!

Here are some of our best summer vacation safety tips for staying healthy during a busy summer.

Stay Safe on the Road

If your plans involve driving this summer, here are a few helpful tips to keep you safe and make sure you get to your destination as scheduled.

  • Get your car serviced before you head out. Regular maintenance such as tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, and tire rotation go a long way toward preventing breakdowns
  • Check your tire pressure, wear and make sure your spear tire is in good condition
  • Make sure all the lights in your vehicle are working, including your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and internal lights as well. If you are towing a trailer, make sure the lights on it are also functioning
  • Check your radiator, make sure it doesn’t have any leaks, and it has the fluids and coolant needed for your engine to work properly
  • Inspect your wiper blades for signs of wear and tear, replace them if they do.
  • Check you’re A/C! A faulty air conditioning on a hot summer day can affect people especially children and older adults as well as pets
  • All passengers must wear their seat belts while the car is in motion
  • Always respect road signals and remember to share the road
  • Never drink alcohol while driving
family in a vehicle with an open roof

Beware of the Sun

Everyone wants to have that kissed by the sun look during summer. But regardless of how nice a suntan might seem; the truth is when your skin tans it’s a sign of sun damage.

Exposing yourself to too much sun can cause wrinkles, and worst of all, it raises your risk of developing skin cancer.

To protect yourself, remember to:

  • Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher and reapply at least every two hours
  • Wear sunglasses and look for sunglasses with a UVA/UVB rating of 100% to get the most UV protection.
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 am and 4 pm
Bright morning sun

Keep Hydrated

We know we have talked about the importance of staying hydrated before. However, since it can be challenging to stay hydrated while we are on vacation, we feel it bears mention again.

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as these can cause dehydration
  • Eat plenty of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables
man drinking water from plastic bottle

Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.

Exercise with Caution

We always recommend you stay active year-round. However, during the hot summer months, you should exercise early in the morning when the temperatures are lower, and the sun rays are less intense.

To avoid the painful muscle spasms known as heat cramps, try drinking an electrolyte beverage. Sports drinks will replace the salt and other minerals lost during perspiration.

woman drinking water from a red bottle

Beware of Critters

Bugs can be annoying, but their bites can be painful and, in some cases, serious health risks. Mosquitos and ticks can transmit diseases, so it is best to repel them as much as possible by using insect repellent.

The EPA recommends the following safety points:

  • Read the instructions before you apply repellent to ensure you know how much to use
  • Only apply repellents to exposed skin or clothing, not under clothing
  • Don’t use on cuts, wounds or irritated skin
  • Do not let children handle repellents, and don’t apply to their hands
  • Apply to hands and then apply on the face. Don’t apply or spray directly onto your face
  • You should avoid breathing sprays so don’t spray repellent in enclosed areas, or around food
woman spraying her daughter with sun screen

Check Your Medications Before You Go

If you take prescription drugs for any condition, make sure you pack enough of them to last the whole trip.

Take into consideration the storing conditions your medication needs. For example, some medications need to be refrigerated; others might be more sensitive to sunlight.

Vacation time is full of activities, and because of this, it is easy to forget your medication, but you should take special care not to skip a dose.

people reviewing a prescription bottle

At Altus Emergency Centers, we are always open to treat any emergency. Remember if you use our online check-in form, we will be waiting for you at the door.

Eat Healthily

There is nothing wrong with an occasional indulgence during your vacation. However, you should try to keep your portions in check and avoid eating too many high-calorie meals.

When possible, avoid the all you can eat buffets, as the variety of options will make it hard not to overeat.

Wooden board with text "Eat Healthy"

Staying safe this summer should be your number one goal; however, sometimes, no matter how much we plan accidents happen. That is why Altus Emergency Centers has locations throughout East Texas, remember we are always near you in times of need.

Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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