It’s summertime, and for many people that means spending more time outside. Whether it’s at the beach, a park or even just in your own backyard, it can be important to make sure you are taking precautions to protect yourself from any possible dangers out there! Check out these safety tips for staying safe this season.

1) Stick to well-lit areas of parks

It may seem like common sense, but many people walk through dark patches of parks without realizing how unsafe they are becoming. Make sure you stay on the trails so you can avoid anything dangerous lurking in those shadows.

2) Watch your belongings

People often leave their purses unattended when they go on walks around the park or play with their kids. It’s important to not take your eyes off of your things, especially when they are on the ground or in a park bench.

3) Make sure your kids are safe

Kids get distracted easily, especially when they see another child or even an animal. It’s important to make sure your children always have a buddy while playing in the park and that you know where they are at all times.

4) Check out the equipment

If you’re going to the park to play on the playground, take a few minutes and really look at it. Make sure there aren’t any sharp or splintered edges and that there is nothing stuck in between bars where someone could get caught.

5) Cleanliness matters

You have to be careful with the drinking fountain in your home, right? Well that goes for public parks too. Make sure you bring water and stay hydrated, but remember if it looks dirty or like someone else used it before you did, don’t take a chance of getting sick!

These are the tips that we feel are the most important, but please always use your own judgement when visiting parks this summer. Be safe and have fun!