Stay Safe This Season

Summertime can be a joyous time filled with vacations, holidays, and long days spent outside. While the kids are out for the summer or you take some time off from work, you still have to remain vigilant about not taking a break from being safe. Spending long hours outside in the heat and sun, exposure to mosquitoes and other pests, playing in the water, and shooting fireworks can all have potential risks. This should not stop you from enjoying all the fun you can have this season in Wesley Chapel. Instead, take care to heed these safety tips to fully relish in the excitement of the season safely and soundly.

Summer Fun, Smart Safety

• • Water Safety:

Whether you are in the pool or ocean, adhering to water safety should always be a priority. The number one rule of water safety is to never have anyone swimming alone, especially children. There should always be supervision. While accidents can happen to even the strongest of swimmers, it is a good idea to learn how to swim by taking classes. New swimmers should wear float devices. If you see lightning, you should hop out of the water immediately to seek shelter.

• • Beach Safety:

If you are at the beach, you should adhere to the same safety measures you practice when following water safety procedures. Bear in mind, the beach can have its own hazards such as rip currents. Should you or your kids get caught in a rip current, it is important to never fight against it. You can become exhausted quickly. Instead, swim or float as best as you can parallel to the shore. You may float down a good way, but it is better to walk a long way back safely. Most public beaches will have flags up that can help you gauge whether you should get in the ocean or not.

• • Camping Safety:

It is always a good rule of thumb to bring a first aid kit if you are camping or hiking. Uneven terrain can cause many to fall or receive sprains, so be careful where you tread as you are walking around the woods. You should also take care to drink plenty of water when doing anything outside as the heat can quickly lead to dehydration. Be sure to have water, drinks with electrolytes, and nutritious snacks to keep you alert and energized.

• • Mosquito Repellent:

Mosquitoes are notorious for being unwanted guests in Florida summers. Not only are they a nuisance, but they and ticks can carry harmful diseases that they can transfer to you when they bite you. There are several methods to ward off mosquitoes, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and using repellants. While you can use repellants with DEET, there are also several natural repellants you can use as well. It is important to reapply often.

• • Pet Safety in the Heat:

If you are playing out in the summer heat with your fur baby, remember that the heat affects them way more than it does you. Do not keep your dog inside a car on a hot or even warm day as you run errands. Make sure to give them breaks to cool down with plenty of water. You should also pay attention to the time of day you walk your dog as the asphalt can get too hot for their paws in the peak afternoon hours. Try walking them at dawn and in the evenings when it is cooler. When your dog needs to be walked in the afternoon, try keeping them on the grass or sidewalk as those surfaces are less hot than the asphalt.

• • Fireworks Safety:

With Memorial Day and Labor Day bookending the summer season and the Fourth of July occurring smack-dab in the middle, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy fireworks. While they are fun to set off and beautiful to watch, practicing firework safety is extremely important! Ideally, you should let professionals light fireworks; however, if you put on a fireworks show at home, there are rules you should abide by. Light the fireworks in an open area away from trees and buildings, do not give fireworks to kids, make spectators especially kids and pets stay far away from where you are setting off the fireworks, and do not aim fireworks at anyone.

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Hit the Road Confidently in Wesley Chapel

As you have a better understanding of these safety guidelines, it is time to enjoy your summer in Wesley Chapel. If you are hitting the road to go on vacation, visit the beach, or set up camp, you need a reliable vehicle that can get you to where you are going safely. At Lexus of Wesley Chapel, we offer wonderful sedans and SUVs that offer quality safety features. Check out our selection of vehicles at our Wesley Chapel dealership today.

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