DETROIT (June 5, 2025) – As the official start of summer nears, the American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy Michigan’s outdoors and summertime activities. Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your family safe.

GRILLING and FOOD SAFETY

Grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Never grill indoors or in any enclosed area. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.   

• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
• Use long-handled grilling tools to help keep the chef safe.
• Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food. Wear food-handling gloves to ensure food safety.
• Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.  
• Separate uncooked meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.

SWIMMING

Drowning can happen quickly and silently. It could take as little as 20 to 60 seconds for a drowning person to submerge. Be “water smart” by building confidence in the water, making good choices, learning to swim and knowing how to handle emergencies.

• Provide constant and active adult supervision. Know how to swim.
• Never swim alone – adults, teens and children. Never leave a child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child. Swim in an area with lifeguards.
• Designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Don’t just pack it, wear your life jacket – always on a boat and in a situation beyond your skill level.
• Reach or throw, don't go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on to it. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.

CAMPING

Being prepared for emergencies is critical when you’re headed to an area with limited access to phone services and help.

• Pack a first aid kit with insect repellant, sunscreen and personal medications. A variety of first aid kits and emergency supplies are available at redcrossstore.org.
• Know the level of ability of your group and the environment around you. Plan to use hiking trails that are within your skill level. Wear layers of light-weight clothing, sunscreen and a hat.
• Share your plans, including where you are going and when you should be back, with a family member, neighbor or friend.
• Bring nutritious food items and plenty of water even if you don’t plan to stay overnight.

Download the FREE Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the FREE Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Visit redcross.org/summersafety for more information.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Henry / sydney.henry@redcross.org / 313-439-4304

About the American Red Cross: 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.