Summer Safety Tips
Summer Safety Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Season
Summer is a time for holidays, BBQs, family days out and enjoying the warmer weather. However, with the change in season can come different safety risks, both at home and when travelling.
A few simple precautions can help keep you, your family and your workplace safe throughout the summer months.
Stay Safe When Travelling
Whether you are heading on holiday, visiting family or simply enjoying a day trip, it is important to be prepared before setting off.
Long journeys, heavy traffic and warm temperatures can quickly become uncomfortable or even dangerous if your vehicle breaks down.
Before travelling:
• Check tyre pressure and tread
• Ensure oil, coolant and screen wash levels are topped up
• Make sure your phone is charged before leaving
• Plan your route in advance where possible
• Allow extra travel time during busy periods
It is also sensible to keep a small emergency kit in your vehicle, especially during hot weather.
Useful items include:
• Bottled water
• Sun cream
• Sun hats
• Snacks
• A phone charger or power bank
• A basic first aid kit
• High visibility clothing
• A torch
If you break down in hot weather, staying hydrated and protected from the sun is extremely important, especially for children, older people and pets.
BBQ Safety
BBQs are one of the highlights of summer, but they can quickly become dangerous if not used carefully.
Every year, fire services attend incidents caused by unsafe BBQ use, many of which could have been prevented.
Top BBQ safety tips:
• Never leave a BBQ unattended
• Keep BBQs away from fences, sheds, trees and garden furniture
• Keep children and pets away from cooking areas
• Never use petrol or flammable liquids to start or revive a BBQ
• Ensure disposable BBQs are fully extinguished before disposal
• Avoid using disposable BBQs on dry grass or in countryside areas
• Keep a bucket of water, sand or a hosepipe nearby
Disposable BBQs can remain dangerously hot for hours after use and have been responsible for serious fires in parks, coastal areas and open countryside.
Outdoor Cooking and Fire Pits
Fire pits and outdoor heaters have become increasingly popular in recent years.
If using them:
• Position them on stable, non-combustible surfaces
• Keep them well away from buildings and fences
• Never leave them unattended
• Fully extinguish them before going indoors or going to bed
Smoke and sparks can travel further during dry weather conditions, increasing fire spread risk.
Water Safety
Open water can be extremely dangerous, even during warm weather.
Cold water shock, hidden currents and sudden drops in depth can catch people out very quickly.
Children should always be supervised around water, including:
• Lakes
• Rivers
• Canals
• Beaches
• Swimming pools
• Paddling pools
Important water safety reminders:
• Never leave children unattended near water
• Avoid swimming in unknown open water locations
• Use lifeguarded beaches where possible
• Wear buoyancy aids during water sports
• Teach children what to do in an emergency
If someone is struggling in water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if at the coast.
Summer Fire Safety at Home
Warmer weather can also lead to increased fire risks around the home.
Open windows, outdoor activities and increased electrical use can all contribute to hazards if not managed carefully.
Simple checks can help improve safety:
• Test smoke alarms weekly
• Avoid overloading plug sockets
• Keep escape routes clear
• Never wedge fire doors open
• Keep matches and lighters away from children
• Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished
It is also a good idea to review your home escape plan with your family, particularly if children are home during school holidays.
Stay Safe This Summer
Summer should be a time to relax and enjoy yourself, and taking a few sensible precautions can help prevent accidents and emergencies.
At Ezra Safety Group, we are passionate about helping people stay safe at work and at home throughout the year.
If you require support with Fire Risk Assessments, Fire Door Inspections, Compartmentation Surveys or Fire Safety Training, our friendly team would be happy to help.
01772 349589
