Before you fire up the grill or cool off with a swim this summer, check out these safety tips.
Swimming Safety
Keep these safety tips in mind when you enjoy the state's beaches, lakes, rivers and pools:
- Put down the phone and watch children at all times around pools and any body of water. Movies and TV often show a drowning child as flailing. But a drowning child is more likely to slip silently underwater. It can be easy to miss, until it's too late.
- Keep pools secure. If you're not using the pool, close and lock or latch gates or doors. Never prop a gate or door open and do not remove or lock ladders when aboveground pools are not in use.
- Know the water conditions. Look for potential hazards like:
- Strong currents
- Undertows
- Sudden changes in water depth
- Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea.
Grilling Safety
Stay safe during this beloved summer tradition with these tips:
- Practice hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw food or using the grill.
- Separate raw and cooked food. Prevent the spread of bacteria by keeping raw meats, poultry and seafood separate from cooked foods and ready-to-eat items.
- Cook food thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature. This eliminates any harmful bacteria.
- Store leftovers properly. Refrigerate or freeze leftover food promptly to prevent bacterial growth. Consume or discard leftovers within three to four days.
- Clean and sanitize. Thoroughly clean grill surfaces and utensils before and after each use. This helps to prevent cross-contamination and growth of harmful bacteria.
Related Press Releases: