All year we dream about sunny days at the beach or the mountains, or even a relaxing week by the home pool. And now that vacation time is here, you can keep it fun-filled and relaxed with a little forethought to safety. By thinking ahead, you can avoid potential minor emergencies.  

  To have a safe and fun summer vacation whether at home or on the road, consider the following tips:

• Check your smoke detectors, emergency car and first aid kits and fire extinguishers monthly. 
• Emphasize safety when lighting fireworks and/or the home grill, and be prepared for minor fires or burns. Fifty-four percent of children injured during a fireworks display were under adult supervision.
• Sleepy drivers cause at least 100,000 car accidents and more than 1,500 fatal crashes each year. Ask someone else to drive or pull over and take a break. Use good judgment . . . drinking caffeine, playing loud music or eating may temporarily help you to feel more alert. If you find yourself dozing off, stop the car and get a good night's rest.
• Choose sunglasses wisely. Yellow or blue lens sunglasses distort colors and are not good choices for driving. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that your sunglasses block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. The label should indicate the amount of protection. 
• Using headlights in the daytime helps reduce accident rates.
• Buckle up yourself and your passengers.
• Don't drink and drive.
• Observe pool safety: no running, no glass containers, no diving in shallow areas, no swimming alone and wear sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration. Avoid physical activity and yard work during the hotter times of the day - (2 to 4 p.m.). Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Observe boat and water safety. Always wear a life jacket.
• While picnicking, store food properly to avoid food poisoning.
• Be prepared to treat insect bites and stings, sunburns and other minor cuts and scrapes.
• If biking, in-line skating or riding a motorized bike, wear a helmet, protective eyewear and other appropriate protective equipment.
• Wear bright colors so you are highly visible.

  Just a little forethought to a few safety tips before you hit the road will keep your precious vacations days safe and hazard-free!