Stay Safe This Summer: Food, Fireworks, and Pet Safety Tips

Summer is a great time to gather outdoors, connect with others, share meals, and celebrate. As your healthcare team, we want to help you enjoy the season safely with your friends and loved ones, including your furry family members. Here are some tips about food safety, firework precautions, and pet protection to make sure you are getting the most of these summer days.

Warm weather and outdoor eating can increase the risk of foodborne illness, but simple steps go a long way:

• Keep it cold: Use an insulated cooler with ice packs or frozen gel packs for perishable foods like meats, dairy, and salads. Don’t leave food out for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s over 90°F).
• Handle raw meat safely: Always keep raw meat separate from other foods—use different containers, cutting boards, and utensils. Never reuse marinades used on raw meat unless you boil them first. If you’re grilling, use a clean plate for cooked meat (never the same one that held raw).
• Cook food thoroughly: Use a food thermometer every time. Safe minimum internal temperatures: poultry (chicken, turkey) 165°F, ground beef/pork 160°F, whole cuts of beef/pork/lamb 145°F (with a 3-minute rest), fish 145°F.
• Wash, Wash, Wash: Rinse all produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking—even if you won’t eat the skin (like melons or avocados). Dirt and bacteria on the surface can transfer inside when you cut. Use a clean produce brush on firm items, and dry with a clean towel.
• Clean hands and clean surfaces: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry, or eggs. Clean all surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water after each use to avoid cross-contamination.

When in doubt, throw it out: If food has been left out or you’re unsure it’s safe or expired, it’s better to toss it than risk getting sick.

Did you know that about 48 million people get food borne illness (also known as food poisoning) every year? Foodborne illnesses are common in the summer and often cause symptoms like:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever

Most cases are mild and clear up in a few days, but sometimes foodborne illness can be serious. You should contact your healthcare provider right away if you:

• Have a high fever (over 102°F)
• Can’t keep liquids down or have signs of dehydration (very little urine, dry mouth, dizziness)
• Have diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
• Notice blood in your stool
• Experience severe pain or cramping

Some groups—including young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for complications. When in doubt, it’s safest to contact your One Medical healthcare provider. To help prevent others from getting sick, if you think you got sick from food or restaurant, report it to your local health department so it can be investigated.

Fireworks are fun but can cause injuries. Every year, burns and accidents send people to the emergency room. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Watch public displays: The safest option is to enjoy community fireworks run by professionals.
• If using fireworks at home: Only use legal fireworks, follow instructions, and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
• Supervise children: Never let kids handle fireworks. Adults should light one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Don’t reignite: Never reignite or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Dispose safely: Soak used fireworks in water before discarding.

For many, pets are an extended part of the family, so we want to make sure you are keeping them safe. Pets can be frightened by fireworks and are at risk during summer events:

• Keep pets indoors: Before fireworks start, bring pets inside and close windows and curtains.
• Update ID tags: Ensure your pet’s collar has current contact information.
• Create a calm space: Provide a quiet area with a favorite blanket or toy.
• Don’t share your food: Some human foods are dangerous for pets—bones, grapes, onions, chocolate, and more.
• Watch the heat: Make sure pets have water and shade. Never leave them in a parked car.

Your One Medical healthcare team want you and your loved ones to have a safe and healthy summer. A little planning can keep you, your loved ones, and pets safe while you enjoying this season.