Your Guide to the Best Summer Safety Kit

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures, including hiking, camping on weekends, relaxing by the pool, and enjoying evening bonfires with friends. While warm-weather activities create lasting memories, they also come with risks such as insect bites, sunburns, and burns from campfires or grills. A study from the National Library of Medicine found that only 30% to 40% of Americans have emergency supplies, such as home first aid kits.¹

As your trusted local pharmacy, we want to help you and your family stay safe and prepared this summer. That’s why we’ve created a helpful guide for putting together your own Summer Safety Kit. Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or just enjoying time in your backyard, having the right items on hand can make a significant difference in managing unexpected situations. Here are some items to include in each category, so you can customize your kit to suit your summer plans.

Insect Bite & Sting Prevention & Relief

Nothing can disrupt a peaceful summer evening faster than a swarm of mosquitoes or an unexpected bee sting. Insects are not only a common nuisance but can also pose health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme.² While most cases are mild, these diseases can be severe which is why it is important to prevent and treat.

What to Include:

• Insect Repellent

• Anti-Itch Cream

• Oral Antihistamines

• After-Bite Treatment

• Tweezers

• Alcohol Wipes

Sunburn Prevention & Relief

Even the most diligent sunscreen users can be caught off guard by strong rays, particularly during peak Ultraviolet (UV) index hours or when near water. According to Summit Health Cares, approximately 86% of melanoma cases and 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are linked to exposure to UV radiation from the sun.³ A mild sunburn may only cause irritation, but a more severe burn can lead to blistering, dehydration, and significant skin damage.

What to Include:

• Sunscreen: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that everyone use sunscreen that offers SPF 30 or higher.⁴ Water-resistant sunscreen should be applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least every two hours.

• Aloe Vera Gel: If it’s too late to protect your skin from sunburn, we recommend applying aloe, known for its cooling and healing properties.

• Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by sunburn.

• Lip Balm with SPF: Don’t forget your lips! They’re vulnerable to sunburn too.

• Cool Compress Pack: A reusable cold pack or even a clean cloth you can soak in cold water to bring down the heat from a burn.

Bonfire & Grill Safety

Gathering around a fire pit on a summer evening or cooking on the grill are wonderful ways to spend summer afternoons. However, fire can pose a risk of minor burns or injuries, even when it is controlled. Here are some essential items you should have on hand to address any accidents and to help prevent infection and further injury. According to the CDC, there were 398,000 fire or burn-related injuries in 2021, along with 252,000 injuries related to hot objects or substances (e.g., contact burns).⁵

What to Include:

• Burn Ointment

• Sterile Gauze Pads

• Nonstick Bandages

• First Aid Tape

• Gloves

• Water Bottle or Saline Spray

General Add-Ons for Your Kit

No matter where your summer takes you, these items are always a smart addition to your Safety Kit:

• Hand Sanitizer or Antibacterial Wipes

• Thermometer

• Digital cooling fan or misting fan

• Electrolyte packets

• Small flashlight or headlamp

We recommend using a waterproof, portable container that is easy to grab and go. Store your safety kit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and always check the expiration dates on creams, medications, and ointments before taking your kit with you. It's also a great idea to keep a smaller version of the kit in your car, beach bag, or hiking backpack.

Are you ready to build your summer safety kit? Stop by the pharmacy and ask one of our friendly staff members for recommendations. If you need help restocking sunscreen or insect repellent, or if you want to ensure your medicine cabinet is well-prepared, we’ve got you covered with pharmacy-grade supplies and excellent service. Stay safe, stay prepared, and make this summer one to remember for all the right reasons!

Sources:

(1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9742271/#:~:text=The%20agency%20had%20launched%20a,kits%20(2%2C%203).

(2) https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites

(3) https://www.sh-cares.org/our-impact/empowering-communities/enright-skin-cancer-program/skin-cancer-facts-statistics/

(4) https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen

(5) https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhamcs/web_tables/2021-nhamcs-ed-web-tables-508.pdf