Summer Fun Safety Tips

Even though many of our usual summer vacation plans are on hold, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the season — and do so safely. Whether you spend time at the lake, on the beach or in your backyard, hot weather can take its toll. Please keep the following tips in mind and remember to wear a mask whenever you are in public and it’s not possible to maintain social distancing from those outside your household.

Hot Weather Safety

• Sun Protection: Apply thick layers of sunscreen to all exposed skin. Reapply as necessary.
• Stay Hydrated: Increase your water consumption. Dehydration can take effect before you realize it.
• Severe Storms: Register for weather alerts through a weather app or local municipal alert system.
• Insects: As with sunscreen, be diligent with using insect repellents. Check your skin and scalp for ticks after prolonged outdoor activities.

Barbecue Safety

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
• Grills should be placed in open areas and never left unattended.
• Use lighter fluid sparingly on charcoal grills, if at all.
• If you smell gas while cooking on your propane grill, immediately move away from the grill and call the fire department.

Fireworks

• Home-use fireworks are dangerous and should be avoided altogether.
• If you do plan on handling fireworks, check local laws prior to use and be mindful of your neighbors.
• Even sparklers can cause serious injuries. They can burn at temperatures near 1,200 degrees.

Additional hot weather information and advice for staying cool can be found on the Department of Homeland Security website at ready.gov/extreme-heat-safety-social-media-toolkit.

Reminder: Wear Your Mask!

Last week, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced an executive order requiring everyone to wear a mask or face covering when leaving their homes, with limited exceptions. The order, similar to those issued in other states, requires you to wear a mask in any indoor public space and outdoors if you cannot maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and people from other households. For details, please review the order on the governor’s website [PDF].

As the University slowly begins re-opening parts of campus, starting with some research functions this summer, Drexel Public Safety urges all members of the University community who are reporting to campus to follow the health and safety guidelines outlined on Drexel’s Return to Campus website. Everyone must wear cloth face masks while they are in campus buildings, riding Drexel shuttle buses, and in public spaces where distancing is not possible.