June Safety Theme – Outdoor Safety

For those that appreciate the outdoors, being outside is a major part of living. Whether you’re a backpacker, hiker, cyclist, runner, surfer, skier, snowboarder, rafter, or a mixture of these and more, the outdoors are your playground. However, even the most seasoned outdoor sports enthusiast should remember some key outdoor safety tips. Though the wilderness and outdoor activities are amazing, they can also be extremely dangerous. Getting lost, getting hurt, and withstanding the elements can be hazardous aspects to outdoor adventuring. For that reason, it’s important to take precautions.

Use The Buddy System

Emergency situations are much more difficult to handle alone. There is safety in numbers. Traveling alone presents a lot of dangers. Having someone to help you if something goes wrong is invaluable.

Check The Weather

Before you head out on an adventure, check the weather. Don’t get caught in a storm unprepared and far from safety. If it is safe to proceed, be sure that you are dressed appropriately for the weather.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Dressing appropriately for your adventure can make all the difference. An otherwise perfect day on the trails can be miserable with the wrong hiking shoes, or uncomfortable clothing. Even if it isn’t the most fashion-forward, dressing well for the activity you are doing will make it much more enjoyable.

Pack A First Aid Kit

No matter what adventure you’re going on, you should have a first aid kit. You never know when it might come in handy. Whether it’s a blister, a small cut, or something more serious—if any sort of injury happens, you’ll be glad you packed it.

Bring Sunscreen

Wear your sunscreen. Even if it doesn’t seem hot outside, you can still get fried. No matter the temperature outside, exposure to the sun can burn you. You may not feel hot or that you are getting burned, but it can still be happening.

Let Someone Know Where You Are

Before you take off, be sure to share your itinerary with a friend or family member. If you are in cell service, it may also be helpful to share your location with someone. That way, if something does go wrong, or you don’t return home when you expected to, you can be easily found.

Stay Hydrated

No matter your activity, be sure that you are drinking plenty of water. You should also take extra water with you. Being outside for extended periods, it’s easy to get dehydrated or suffer from heat exhaustion. Be smart—drink water.

Stay Near The Trail

Don’t wander too far off the trail. This is where it’s easy to get lost and difficult to be found. Be sure that you stay on or very close by trail markers.

Grilling Safety

There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• Charcoal Grills
• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use.
• Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container