Your Guide to a Safe and Healthy Summer from Kearney Regional Medical Center
As the temperatures rise and we spend more time outdoors, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. Summer in Nebraska is full of fun—pool days, lake trips, cookouts, fireworks, and family vacations. But with all that fun comes increased risk for injuries, heat-related illness, and unexpected accidents.
At Kearney Regional Medical Center, we’re here to keep your family safe and informed all season long. Our Emergency Department is open 24/7, fully equipped and staffed with expert providers who are always ready to help when you need it most.
Here are six key summer safety topics we’ll be sharing on our Facebook page throughout the season—along with quick tips to help you stay safe and enjoy everything summer has to offer:
1. Heat Safety
High temperatures and humidity can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke—especially for young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day (even if you’re not thirsty)
- Wearing loose, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
- Taking breaks in the shade or air-conditioning
- Never leaving children or pets in a parked car—temperatures rise dangerously in minutes
- Watching for signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, and confusion
Know this: Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
2. Water Safety
Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in children. Whether at the lake, pool, or waterpark, supervision and preparation are key.
- Always watching children closely when they are in or near water—no distractions
- Using life jackets (not floaties) for young swimmers or when boating
- Enrolling kids in swim lessons and teaching them to never enter water without an adult present
- Knowing CPR and basic rescue techniques
- Making sure pools are gated and secured when not in use
Drowning can happen in seconds—and it’s often silent. Don’t hesitate to seek emergency care if a water-related incident occurs.
3. Sun & Bug Protection
Prolonged sun exposure and bug bites may seem like small inconveniences, but they can lead to more serious issues like sun poisoning, heat rash, Lyme disease, or allergic reactions.
- Applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours (more if swimming or sweating)
- Wearing sunglasses and sun-protective clothing
- Using insect repellent that contains DEET or other safe, effective ingredients
- Avoiding standing water to reduce mosquito breeding
- Checking for ticks after hikes, especially behind knees, in hair, and around the waist
Watch for swelling, rashes, or fever after bites—these can be signs of a more serious reaction or infection.
4. Firework Safety
Fireworks can be a fun way to celebrate, but they’re also a major cause of summer injuries—especially to hands, eyes, and faces.
- Following local firework laws and safety guidelines
- Lighting fireworks one at a time and backing away quickly
- Keeping children and pets at a safe distance
- Never relighting a “dud” firework
- Having water or a fire extinguisher nearby
Even small fireworks can cause severe burns or injuries—don’t hesitate to come to the ER for prompt treatment.
5. Food Safety for Picnics & Cookouts
Backyard BBQs are a summer staple, but foodborne illnesses spike during warmer months.
- Washing hands before and after handling food
- Keeping raw meats separate from other foods
- Using a food thermometer: cook poultry to 165°F, burgers to 160°F
- Refrigerating leftovers within 1-2 hours (or sooner if it’s 90°F+)
- Using coolers with plenty of ice when transporting perishable food
If someone experiences persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after a meal, seek medical care promptly.
6. Back-to-School Health Prep
August signals the end of summer fun and the start of a new school year. It’s the perfect time to make sure your child is healthy, prepared, and protected.
- Scheduling school and sports physicals early
- Making sure vaccinations are up to date
- Encouraging a consistent sleep schedule
- Packing healthy snacks and staying hydrated during hot practices
- Reinforcing hand hygiene and sun safety as kids return to outdoor recess
We’re Here When You Need Us
No matter how careful you are, accidents and illnesses can still happen. Kearney Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department is open 24/7, ready to care for your family with fast, expert care.
