Summertime Activities Safety Tips

Barbeque Food Safety

• Grilling is a favorite summer past time. But to ensure the safety and health of those who will reap the rewards of your hard work, the work actually begins from the time meat and poultry is purchased at the grocery store. Here are some helpful tips:
• Always purchase meats last while you are shopping and go straight home to get it back into refrigeration as soon as possible. Always refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours. It is recommended to freeze meats that won’t be used within 1 to 2 days.
• Completely thaw meat and poultry so it cooks more evenly while grilling whether slow thawing in the refrigerator, thawing in cool water, or thawing in the microwave.
• If marinating meat and poultry, do not reuse the marinade without boiling as it may contain harmful bacteria.
• Keep food cold if transporting to another location.
• Keep everything clean. To prevent foodborne illnesses, do not use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry.
• Cook the meat and poultry thoroughly. Cook food to a safe internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria. (Whole poultry, poultry breasts, and ground poultry – 165 F; Ground meat – 160 F; Beef, pork, Lamb, and Veal – 145 F)

 Boating Safety

Each year hundreds of lives are lost... thousands are injured... and millions of dollars of property damage occurs because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. Too often pleasure outings turn tragic. You — as a boat operator, passenger, or concerned individual — can make a difference.

• If you own a boat, conduct a vessel check to make sure all running lights are working and sufficient safety (i.e. appropriate number of life vests) and emergency equipment is on board (i.e. whistle, working horn, etc.)
• Be familiar with the waterway on which you will be traveling. Just like planning a trip in a vehicle and doing a JMP, boat operators should prepare a FLOAT PLAN.
• If you’re the boat operator, always use a “spotter” if pulling a skier or any recreational device (inner tube, board, etc.) behind the boat.
• Beware of underwater object that may be just below the surface. If the weather has been stormy recently or it is an overcast day, logs and other objects could be in the area. This can be a dangerous situation for both boaters and swimmers.
• Be aware (if you are a boat operator) that boating accidents are required to be reported to the state in which the incident may occur. Consult with the local US Coast Guard if unsure of reporting requirements.

 Swimming Safety

Avoid alcohol when swimming or BOATING; Wear a life jacket whenever you’re in a boat; Don’t swim alone or during bad weather; Learn to swim and teach your children to swim; Supervise children when they are in the water; and Use plenty of sunscreen to prevent sunburn and Drink plenty of water.