With the weather heating up, it’s the perfect time for your community to get outside and make some memories! Backyard barbeques, days at the pool, neighborhood walks, and community events are all staples of a fantastic summer.
Still, as fun as summer is, it’s important to remember that this time of year introduces its own unique set of safety concerns that your community leaders and homeowners should keep in mind. By being aware of these risks and taking steps to mitigate them, you can help everyone in your community stay safe and happy, all season long.
Soak up the sun…safely.
The sunny days of summer are the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. But it’s still important to practice sun safety any time you will be outside for more than 15 minutes. Here are some of the best things you can do to safely enjoy a sunny day.
Use sunscreen.
Sun protection is essential to prevent skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States (experts say that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life).
Here are some best practices when it comes to sunscreen use:
- Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin when you are going to be out in the sun.
- Don’t forget tricky spots, such as the hairline, behind the ears, or on the tops of the feet.
- Use SPF 30 or higher
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays
- Look for water resistant sunscreen, especially if you’ll be swimming
- Choose a mineral sunscreen if you are concerned about harsh chemicals in traditional sunscreens. Mineral sunscreen creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays, offering more thorough protection.
- Carry sunscreen with you to make reapplication more convenient.
- Reapply often (every two hours or so; possibly more often if you are in the water).
- Try spray-on, stick, or powder formulas to find what works best for you.
Wear protective gear and seek shade.
In addition to sunscreen, wearing protective clothing can provide an extra layer of defense against harmful UV rays. Wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts made from lightweight, breathable fabrics can help protect your skin and eyes from sun damage.
Some clothing companies even use fabric with UVA/UVB protection built in, giving you additional peace of mind that you are well protected.
Additionally, stay in the shade as often as you can while the sun is up. Umbrellas are a simple, portable shade solution if shade-providing structures or trees are not available.
Avoid peak sun hours.
The sun’s rays are typically most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (You can check your local forecast to see when UV exposure is highest in your area.) Try to schedule outdoor activities for earlier or later in the day to minimize exposure to these harsh conditions.
If you need to be outside during these hours, seek shade whenever possible and wear protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves.
Stay cool.
Beyond being mindful of the sun, you should also be aware of extreme temperatures and take precautions as necessary.
Watch the weather.
Your local forecast may include weather warnings that indicate extreme heat conditions. Take these seriously, and do not plan any outdoor activities when such warnings are in place.
Stay hydrated.
When temperatures rise, so does the risk of dehydration. Any time you are outside in the heat, especially if you are sweating, you should be mindful of your hydration levels. Drink plenty of water before you start an outdoor activity, and carry water with you any time you head outside, even after dark! If you will have friends or children with you, make sure there is always enough for everyone.
Tip: Foods with a high water content—like melons, oranges, and cucumbers—can also help with hydration. Additionally, supplements with electrolytes can help increase the hydrating potential of your water.
Be water wise.
Swimming is one of summer’s most beloved activities, but unfortunately, it can also be one of the most dangerous. If you have a community pool, if your residents have backyard pools, or if you are in an area where swimming is popular, it’s crucial that everyone puts safety first when it comes to swimming.
Ensure swimming competency.
According to the CDC, accidental drownings are the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4, and 4,000 people in the United States die each year from drowning. Promote swimming competency in your families, neighborhoods, and social circles. If you have a community pool, consider hosting swimming classes with certified instructors to help families feel more confident being around water.
If you’re hosting a pool party in your backyard, make sure all guests, especially children, know how to swim. Consider acting as an unofficial lifeguard and keep a close eye on non-swimmers, young swimmers, and new swimmers.
Related: Preparing Your Community for Pool Season
If the community is hosting a swimming event at a community pool, hire lifeguards to monitor swimmers, and be sure all pool rules are posted clearly for all visitors to see.
Watch alcohol consumption.
Summer is synonymous with pool parties and lakeside gatherings. However, it’s essential for adults to moderate their alcohol consumption, especially around water. Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents. Stay sober if you plan to swim, operate a boat, or engage in other water-related activities.
Have proper safety equipment close at hand.
Ensure that your pool area is equipped with essential safety gear, such as life vests, floatation devices, and a first-aid kit. It’s also wise to always have a reliable phone nearby in case of emergencies.
Pool access should be restricted according to local laws. This may include pool fences with locked gates. Additionally, a pool alarm can provide an extra layer of safety by alerting you to any unexpected activity in the water.
Be safe around the grill
Grilling is another staple summer activity, but it comes with its own set of risks. Be mindful of them and create an environment that promotes safety.
Maintain safe distances.
Keep your grill at least six feet away from buildings and trees to prevent accidental fires. Keep a close watch on young children who are in the general area of the grill to ensure that they do not get too close.
Have fire safety tools on hand.
Always have a significant water source or a fire extinguisher nearby when grilling. This allows you to quickly address any unexpected flare-ups or fires before they have a chance to harm people or structures.
Keep grill lids closed.
When you’re not actively flipping or checking your food, keep the grill lid closed. This reduces the chance of flare-ups and helps control heat and oxygen levels, which will help prevent larger fires.
Be mindful of food safety.
In addition to fire safety, food safety is crucial when grilling. Ensure meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses. Use a meat thermometer to check temperatures and keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination.
Keep common areas safe.
Enjoying your neighborhood is what summer is all about, so it’s crucial to make sure that your community’s common areas are set up for safety.
Keep communication open.
With more homeowners using common areas during summer, proper communication of safety practices is essential to reduce risks and liability. Remind everyone of the basic summer safety tips like hydration, sun protection, and swimming precautions. Clear communication helps ensure that everyone is aware of potential hazards and how to avoid them.
Be mindful of your unique climate.
For communities in hotter southern states like Texas and Arizona, additional precautions are necessary due to the increased presence of dangerous wildlife such as rattlesnakes, water moccasins, scorpions, and fire ants.
Wear protective footwear.
Always wear closed-toe shoes when stepping outside, even if it’s just into your garage or backyard. For activities like hiking, opt for hiking boots and long pants to reduce the risk of bites, stings, burns, or other injuries.
Practice environmental awareness.
Be vigilant about your surroundings. Scan for large dirt mounds, which indicate fire ant colonies, and be cautious around brush, wood piles, and water bodies where snakes may hide. Regularly check your yard for any signs of wildlife and take necessary precautions to keep them at bay.
Keep up with your lawn and community landscaping.
Keep your lawn trimmed and treat any ant mounds with pesticides. Consider hiring an exterminator to regularly treat your home and yard, reducing the likelihood of encountering dangerous pests.
For the HOA community as a whole, communicate with your landscaping company about any special precautions that need to be taken during the summer months.
Enforce operating hours in public areas.
Schedules can sometimes become a little more lax during the summer months, which may result in people wanting to use community amenities later into the evening. If you have different hours for your community centers, parks, or pools in the summer, make sure those hours are clearly posted and are communicated to residents. Enforce the hours fairly in order to help everyone stay safe and to protect your community’s shared spaces.
Every season comes with its own unique set of risks, and summer is no exception. While you can never eliminate all potential problems with 100% certainty, you can do your best to avoid major injury, illness, and damage by following these tips and practicing some common sense.
Remember: Safety is a community effort! As we work together to keep our neighbors (and neighborhoods) safe, we’ll all be able to enjoy a safe, happy summer.