Tips for staying safe during summer festival season

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Summer is in full swing, with lots of festivals, county fairs and carnivals happening throughout the state of Ohio.

With everyone gearing up to head out outside and enjoy the summer fun, Public Health for Dayton and Montgomery County has shared some tips to stay safe this season.

Food safety

Summer fair fun can include games, rides, visiting with animals and more, which can leave behind germs and bacteria. When eating at festivals and fairs, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand. If you can’t wash your hands, bring along hand sanitizer or disposable wipes instead.

Public Health says to look for a displayed food service vendor license and avoid eating food from vendors that handle money without washing their hands before prepping food.

Ride safety

Carnival rides are inspected before the fair opens, but it’s important to stay aware and observant while having fun. Public Health recommends following all safety instructions from ride operators and to report any unsafe behavior or conditions to the appropriate people.

To prevent any issues, it’s recommended that you secure all loose items like wallets, phones and sunglasses.

Children and pets

Children can have the most fun at festivals, but keeping them safe is the top priority. Never leave young kids or pets unsupervised. Do not leave anyone in vehicles and check event rules regarding pets before arriving.

Personal health

To keep yourself and loved ones safe out in the summer sun, drink lots of water and wear sunscreen. Bug spray can also help if you will be in grassy or wooded areas.

Update your phone’s emergency contact information before heading out to crowded areas, or keep a contact list written down in your wallet. Charge your phone before leaving home and have a plan to get home safely if you plan to drink.

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