Picnic Safety

Picnic safety is an easy, yet very important part of your picnic plan. Enjoy every minute of this special time together by being aware of the hazards of the picnic season.

Here are some picnic safety tips to keep in mind:

• Take a first-aid kit on each and every outdoor excursion.
• Be prepared for the treatment of foot blisters - they can really put a damper on your day.

• Keep hydrated - especially during very warm weather. You can lose up to three litres of water day sweating and urinating.
• Slip, Slop, Slap! Slip on some sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection, slop on some suncreen with a minimum SPF-15, and slap on a hat.
• Use insect repellent methods when necessary. And remember to bring along your insect sting kit if you have known allergies to insect bites.

• Scout out your picnic area for poisonous plants such as Poison Ivy, Poison Oak or Poison Sumac. If you have been in contact with such plants, wash skin immediately with soap and water to reduce the reaction. If you do get a reaction, apply cold compresses (after washing with soap and water). Lotions such as calamine and ones with antihistamines may help.

• If you are planning to hike to your picnic destination, it is also a recommended to brush up on your hiking safety knowledge.

Safety Tips for Children:

• Supervise children closely around potential hazards like barbeque grills and fire pits. This includes matches and lighter fluid.
• Playgrounds: Check that the equipment is appropriate for their age. Remove all drawstrings from your childs clothing (which can catch in the equipment). Remind children to give lots of space when passing swings to avoid being kicked.
• Supervise closely around all bodies of water including pools, lakes and streams.
• Be aware of your picnic coolers! They make a good place to play hide-and-seek. Latch-type coolers and ice boxes are responsible for numerous suffocation deaths each year.

Go to Healthy Picnics home page