With the beginning of the current summer season, local authorities urge the community on Long Island and NYC to take into account basic health tips which serve as useful guides to enjoy or work outdoors during the summer months without compromising our safety.
“The New York State Division of Consumer Protection reminds New Yorkers to follow simple tips to stay safe from outdoor dangers and high temperatures while enjoying everything summer has to offer,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley.
For his part, NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented, “We all want to make the most of the summer months, enjoying New York’s beautiful weather and great outdoors. Don’t let an emergency ruin the fun. “Whether you’re on the playground, at the pool, or in front of the grill, stay cool and follow best practices for safe summer activities to protect yourself.”
In this way, the Consumer Protection Division offers the following tips to local residents:
Heat safety
– Do not leave children or pets in hot vehicles:
Heat stroke poses a significant danger to children and pets left inside cars during the summer months, and can cause serious injury or death, even when the outside temperature is as low as 57 degrees Fahrenheit (approx. 14°C).
Always check the back seat of your vehicle before locking the doors. Never leave a child or pet in a vehicle unattended during hot weather. To learn how to prevent vehicle heat deaths, see the state’s consumer advisory on this topic at https://dos.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-extreme-temperatures-continue-new-york-department-states-division-consumer .
– Stay informed:
Check weather forecasts and sign up for NY-Alert (https://alert.ny.gov/), New York State’s free emergency alert system, to stay aware of any heat wave or severe weather conditions.
– Beat the heat:
Minimize strenuous activities and physical exercise to the extent possible, especially during peak sun hours, between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
– Stay hydrated:
60% of your body weight is made up of water; Therefore, be sure to drink enough water, adjusting your intake based on your physical activity level and hot conditions.
– Stay safe:
During periods of extreme heat, keep yourself and your family safe by reviewing heat safety tips from the New York State Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/hot/ and locating a cooling center near your location on the web link https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/index.htm .
Children’s safety
– Ensure safety in playgrounds:
Check park equipment for damage and supervise your children while they play there. For information on playground safety, read the Public Park Safety Checklist at https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/playgrounds/public-playground-safety-checklist .
– Supervise water activities:
Always supervise children around water, including swimming pools, beaches, and lakes. You can find American Red Cross swimming classes in your area (at Redcross.org), as well as safety tips, in the state consumer alert on aquatic safety in https://dos.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-division-consumer-protection-new-york-state-parks-remind-new-yorkers-about .
– Respect the rules in amusement parks and fairs:
Obey posted age, height, weight and health restrictions, and follow all instructions posted on signs, given by ride operators, or announced via recorded messages. These rules were created for everyone’s safety. Read the consumer alert for more amusement park and fair safety tips ( https://dos.ny.gov/news/new-york-department-state-department-labor-take-proactive-measures-ensure-safe-summer ).
Outdoor Safety
– Wear a helmet:
Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or skateboard, and obey traffic rules. For more cycling advice, see the recent consumer alert at the web link https://dos.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-nydos-division-consumer-protection-reminds-new-yorkers-wear-their-bike-helmets .
– Grill safely:
Only use grills outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Never use a grill indoors, in a garage, walkway, carport, porch, next to your home, or under a surface that could catch fire. For more tips on how to grill safely, check out this state alert on https://dos.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-ny-department-states-division-consumer-protection-provides-safety-tips-follow .
– Prevent fireworks-related injuries:
The best way to keep your family safe is to leave fireworks handling to the professionals. Even sparklers are dangerous around children, as they can reach a temperature high enough to melt metal. For additional tips and information about New York laws regarding fireworks, read the consumer alert at https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-offers-firework-safety-tips-upcoming-july-4th-holiday .
– Use caution to prevent fires and burns:
During the summer months, many summer activities—such as camping, grilling, lighting bonfires, and using fireworks—involve the use of fire. Keep children at least 3 feet (about 1 meter) away from any heat source, including campfires, grills, and braziers.
– Protect yourself from burns:
As temperatures rise, applying sunscreen is essential. However, when it comes to babies, the best protection is to avoid sun exposure completely. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend avoiding the use of sunscreen in babies younger than 6 months of age.
– Be careful with insect bites:
Nobody likes insect bites. Cover your skin as completely as possible when outdoors at dawn, dusk, and early evening, when mosquitoes and other insects are most active.
Ticks pose a high risk in 2026, so you should take extra precautions.
