Warmer weather often means more time outside, whether it’s swimming, hiking, barbecuing, or gathering with friends and family. It also brings more insects, stronger sun exposure, and a greater risk of heat-related illnesses and water accidents.

The Somerset County Department of Health encourages residents to enjoy the warm weather and summer activities while staying healthy and safe to prevent illness and injury. Follow these tips for a safe and healthy summer.

“I am a public school teacher, so once summertime begins, I find myself stepping outside my classroom and spending my free time in the great outdoors,” said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner. “I enjoy visiting our local County parks and farms, and I know I will have a more enjoyable – and safe – day by following these suggestions from our health experts.”

Be safe in and around water.

Teach children how to swim to prevent drowning. Supervise closely and constantly when children are in or near water, even when lifeguards are there. Ensure children wear a properly fitted life jacket.

Protect your skin from the sun.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply every two hours after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade.

Prevent mosquito and tick bites.

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and avoid areas where ticks live, such as grassy, brushy, and wooded areas with high grass and leaf litter. Check clothing, gear, and pets for ticks after being outdoors. Remove an attached tick as soon as possible. Once a week, empty any items that hold standing water around your home, to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

Prepare and cook food safely.

Wash hands and work surfaces with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food, and before eating. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separated from ready-to-eat foods. Cook food to safe internal temperatures and use a food thermometer to check. Refrigerate perishable food, including leftovers, within two hours or one hour if above 90°F outside.

Stay safe during extreme heat.

Prevent heat-related illnesses during extreme heat by staying cool in air-conditioned areas, drinking plenty of water, and staying informed with local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips. Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

Travel safely.

Before your trip, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel health information webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

As we enjoy the summer months, it's important to prioritize health and safety. Whether you're spending time at the pool, exploring the outdoors, or traveling, remember to stay safe in and around water, protect your skin from harmful UV rays, guard against mosquito and tick bites, handle and cook food properly, take precautions during extreme heat, and travel responsibly. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a healthy and enjoyable season.

To learn more about Somerset County, register for free email alerts at somersetcountynj.gov/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

About the Somerset County Department of Health

Somerset County Department of Health’s (SCDOH) mission is to promote, protect, and enhance the health of our community through public health leadership, proactive planning and partnerships, and the advancement of public health services with health equity.