When we think about whether we are summer ready or not, we might think about sculpting the perfect physique for our favorite bikini, making sure we are hitting the gym enough times in a week and eating a healthy diet. Being summer ready means looking the part, feeling good about ourselves and honing our pout for the perfect Instagram filtered shot. However, when it comes to our little ones, we need to consider their safety and well being in the summer months. It’s vital that we don’t become complacent in the balmy weather. Extra hazards can present themselves, and we need to keep our children safe.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading for a fun day at the beach, hitting the park for a family barbecue, venturing out on a road trip or staying in the backyard to catch some rays, you need to be aware of those extra hazards. Take a look at this guide to help you assess your summer situations and get your family unit as summer-ready as possible.
The Road Trip
If you are planning on hot footing it across the nation or fancy a mammoth drive instead of a domestic flight to visit that rarely seen aunt, it’s vital that you do your regular car checks. In the summer heat, more cars break down than in average climates. Check your oil level, top up the coolant and washer fluid if necessary and ensure that your tires are at the correct pressure. Overheating engines are a problem if you are sat in traffic for any length of time. If you find yourself in a jam, switch the engine off and wind down the windows. For a further safety measure, don’t refuel up to the maximum level in your tank. Gas stations may even have warning signs up in hot weather recommending that you fill up to three quarters and no more. High heat makes the fuel expand and can lead to a burst tank which can cause an engine fire and have devastating consequences if you’re driving at the time.
A road trip should be a fun affair for the whole family. Make sure you take a note of your breakdown cover should you find yourself needing assistance and try to mitigate the risks of travel. Pack enough food, plenty of water and a few games and you can have a budget-friendly method of transport to travel whether it’s for visiting or vacation purposes.
The Home
Many people neglect to consider if their homes are family ready in the hotter months. There’s no way that your child is going to come to any harm within your home, surely? However, you need to consider those extra hazards that the sunnier climes bring and continue to follow a comprehensive guide to childproofing your home. Yes, you might put those capsule pods for the washing machine away in a high cupboard, you might ensure that there are child locks on the kitchen cabinets and there are plug covers on all the sockets. But what about those other things that we take for granted?
When it’s sunnier, we may draw out blinds more regularly to block out the sunlight. The cords that control these blinds can be dangerous for little hands and heads. It’s not unheard of for children to become tangled up and injured. We will always use more water in the hotter months. This might include filling up a paddling pool in the back garden for the kids to cool off in. It’s vital that you put water resistant sun cream on them and that they are under an adult’s supervision at all times. Even if your five year old cherub can swim, they need to be watched in the heat around water for their own safety.
The Park Barbecue
When the heat is at its maximum, and the midday sun is beating down onto the parched ground, it might not be the best time to head out to the park. The kids may risk heat stroke and sunburn. To try and keep these risks at a minimum, head for your park barbecue later in the evening. The optimum heat of the sun will have died away, you’ll be left with a less oppressive heat, and most of the crowds may have dissipated leaving you with a more pleasant environment in which to enjoy your food.
Ensure that the kids still have their caps on, the sun cream is applied and their water bottles are with them. Find a shady spot and get the barbecue started. Try to get hold of the self-lighting barbecues rather than those that need lighter fluid applied. These can be dangerous and are harder to control leading to burnt embers at best on the ground and a park fire at worst. Keep the little ones away from the hot smoke and barbecue area by cordoning it off. Only ever allow an individual with barbecue experience to take care of the food.
When cooking, ensure that you have a food thermometer on hand as this is really the only sure fire way to ensure food is cooked through. Burgers, chicken wings, and pork kebabs may look done on a barbecue grill, but inside they could remain raw and bacteria-laden. Food poisoning is a massive risk in the summer months because of barbecues and inadequate cooking. Chicken should be white, and the juices run clear without a hint of pink. Burgers and pork, although they can be served medium, should be fully cooked through on the barbecue to be safe. The food will not dry out, and it will still taste delicious. You are much better to be safe than sorry. For an even more incredible grilling experience, consider looking into the Big Green Egg grill. With precise temperature control and durable ceramic construction, you can be confident that your food is cooked to perfection while preserving its natural flavors, making it a worthwhile investment for a delightful and safe outdoor cooking experience.
The summer is here, and it’s only right that you want to enjoy it with your family. Putting some quality time aside to enjoy the outdoors, relax in your garden and venture to the park will create many happy family memories. Just remember to be safe and ensure that your family is well and truly summer ready.