One thing’s for certain: Michigan summers are worth waiting for. Summertime in the Great Lakes State means time spent in the sun, at the lakeshore, and sippin’ poolside. But what does it take to enjoy the sun and sand, safely? EPS Security’s summer safety tips have you covered.
Sunscreen & UV Index
Among the most important of our summer safety tips is this: Protect your skin from the sun. While many enjoy a warm, summer glow, overexposure to the sun’s radiation can be a major health risk. Short-term, intense sun exposure can result in sunburn or sun poisoning. Long-term, overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light (UV) is connected to skin cancer and cataracts.
In order to safely soak in the sun, start by knowing the UV Index. UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Typically presented on a scale of 1-10, UV Index indicates how much sun protection is required when stepping outside. This number can be found on most daily weather apps and news channels.
Below, we’ve included our very own UV Index graphic. Check out the UV scale, and the level of protection suggested with each number:
Sun safety may seem like a seasonal task, but really, your skin should be protected, year-round. Believe it or not, sunburn can occur in even below-freezing temps. In the winter, the sun’s ultraviolet light often reflects off of snow-covered ground. Consider adding sunscreen application to your daily routine, but especially when spending excess time outdoors, don’t forget to apply and reapply sunblock. It’s recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours for maximum protection.
If your skin burns easily, consider bringing an umbrella, wearing a hat, or finding a shady spot to rest when hitting the beach or pool. Speaking of time spent by the water, EPS has more summer safety tips, up next.
Summer safety tips for the beach
Protecting your people, at the beach
Here in the Great Lakes State, Michiganders have access to many beautiful beaches—from Silver Lake and Ludington, to Grand Haven and Holland. When visiting any beach, it’s important to keep certain safety elements in mind.
Our first beach safety tip? Always know the swimming conditions. If you hope to do more than lounge in the sand, it’s important to know whether or not the water is safe to enter. Many Michigan beaches use a flag system to indicate water conditions to their patrons. Where this system is in-use:
- Green flag = Water is safe for swimming
- Yellow flag = Exercise caution when swimming
- Red flag = Do not swim. Water is unsafe to enter
When visiting the lakeshore, it’s also important to consider the strength of each swimmer who tags along. Even in green flag conditions, small children should wear life jackets or other flotation devices. Additionally, even the strongest swimmers should remain close to shore, as water conditions can change quite quickly. Public swimming areas rarely have on-duty lifeguards, so safe swimming practices are essential.
Another summer health tip: remember to stay hydrated! The sun and summer heat elevate your risk of dehydration.
Protecting your things, at the beach
At the beach, it’s all too common to leave valuables unprotected. While walking the pier, venturing to the bathrooms, or going for a swim, often phones, car keys, and more sit in plain sight. While you can’t quite bring a security system to the beach, there are steps you can take to protect your valuables.
First, in minimizing risk, leave what you can in the car. In a glove box, in a center council, or under a car seat, are the best locations to leave your belongings. Leaving unnecessary items in your vehicle, such as cash, cards, and electronics, allows you to lock them up. Additionally, placing valuables in concealed areas of the vehicle prevents others passing by from spotting them.
The same applies for items you bring ON the beach. While it’s not always as simple as “out of sight, out of mind,” hiding that you aim to protect can be effective in deterring opportunists. If beach safety is anything like home security, we know that leaving windows and blinds open increases risk of burglary. In essence, leaving your valuables out in the open provides a preview for the mal-intentioned.
If walking away from your beach set-up, place phones and keys inside your beach bag, or under towels, making them a more difficult grab.
Summer safety tips for the pool
A dip in the pool is a great escape from the scorching heat of a Michigan summer. An even better escape, if the pool is in your own backyard. Having a pool, however, is a major safety responsibility. That’s why EPS Security compiled the following summer safety tips, specifically for your aquatic space:
Never allow children to swim unsupervised
With young children, always designate an adult to keep watch. When small children are swimming, a trusted adult should be in arm’s reach, so quick assistance can be provided if needed.
At the pool, it’s also important to know the warning signs of struggling/drowning. While these factors may seem like common sense, it’s easy to get comfortable in your pool space, often letting your guard down. Additionally, a beautiful, sunny day can serve as an easy distraction. The trajectory of a swimming situation can change in seconds, so pool supervision is essential.
Fence in backyard pools for ultimate protection
The best way to keep your children, especially little ones, from falling into your pool, is to fence it in. It is suggested that a pool fence is four-sided, at least four feet high, and offers access via a locked gate. Research from the CDC indicates fencing in your pool decreases a child’s risk of drowning by 83%.
As a parent, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home and family is safe, is priceless.
Know basic first-aid responses
No matter how hard we try to prevent them, accidents happen. Whether it’s a scrape or bruise, or something more serious, it pays to be prepared. It is always smart to keep first aid supplies, life jackets, and other safety equipment near your pool area. Additionally, training in CPR, if accessible, could allow you to save lives in an emergency situation.
Store pool chemicals safely
It’s important to test and adjust your pool’s chemical levels regularly. It is also essential to store pool chemicals in a cool, dry spot, away from a child’s reach or pet’s access level. Ensure the area where chemicals are stored is a locked, and consider displaying signage where dangerous chemicals are stored. Lastly, educate family members of pool chemical protocols, and what to do if exposure to these products occurs.
The EPS advantage
At EPS Security, the safety of your people, places, and things, is our priority. Whether on the beach, or at your home, the protection of what matters most, is essential. For more than 65 years, EPS Security has partnered with Michigan families to provide state-of-the-art security technology, and service. From intrusion alarm and life safety systems, to video surveillance and smart home technology, our solutions are custom-engineered to meet our customers’ individual security needs.
As a top 25 security provider in the country, EPS strives to act as a safety ambassador. The wellness of your home and family doesn’t stop at security technology, but these safety systems have their impact, too. If you’re ready to learn more about a safety and security partnership with EPS, we’re here to help you get started.