Editor’s Note: This article courtesy of PS&S and first appeared in their July 2024 Recipe for Success. Thanks to Dave Kiessling, R.C.S., R.S., Vice President, who granted CAI Keystone permission to share via our blog.
Community Associations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents. From managing outdoor activities to maintaining common areas, here are essential summer safety tips to consider:
1. Pool Safety
Pools are a central hub of activity during the summer months. To ensure the they are safe for everyone:
- Lifeguard Services: Hire trained lifeguards to monitor pool area.
- Clear Rules: Post clear signage regarding pool usage, including no running, diving restrictions, and adult supervision for children.
- Safety Equipment: Ensure that life-saving equipment such as life rings and first aid kits are easily accessible and well maintained.
- Fencing: Secure the pool area with appropriate fencing and lockable gates to prevent unsupervised access.
2. Heat-Related Illness Prevention
Hot weather can pose serious health risks. Encourage residents to:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can lead to hydration.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, reapplying every two hours or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for light colored, loose-fitting clothing, hats, and sunglasses to protect against sun exposure.
- Seek Shade: Take breaks in shaded areas or indoors during peak sun hours, typically from 10am to 4pm.
3. Fire Safety
The Risk of fire increases in hot, dry conditions. Implement these fire safety measures:
- Grill Safety: Designate specific areas for grilling, away from buildings and dry vegetation.
- Fire Pits: If fire pits are allowed, establish guidelines for their safe use, including maintaining a safe distance from structures and having extinguishing methods on hand.
- Landscaping: Keep grass and bushes trimmed to reduce fire hazards. Remove dead vegetation and dispose of properly.
4.Playground and Outdoor Equipment Safety
Ensure that playgrounds and outdoor fitness areas are safe:
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of playground equipment to check for wear and tear, loose bolts, and other potential hazards.
- Soft Surfaces: Maintain soft, impact-absorbing surfaces under and around playground equipment to cushion falls.
- Age-Appropriate Areas: Clearly designate areas for different age groups to prevent accidents.
5. Storm Preparedness
Summer storms can be sudden and severe. Prepare your community with these tips:
- Emergency Plans: Develop and distribute an emergency plan outlining procedures for severe weather, including designated shelters and evacuation routes.
- Communication: Have a reliable way to communicate urgent information to residents, such as a phone tree, email alerts, or a community app.
- Secure Loose Items: Encourage residents to secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and trash cans that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Extreme Weather Conditions: Communicate to residents to take cover and stay indoors during extreme storms with lightning, high winds and hail.
6. Outdoor Event Safety
When hosting community events, prioritize safety:
- First Aid: Have a first aid station or kit readily available at all events, along with staff trained in basic first aid and CPR.
- Crowd Control: Plan for adequate space and crowd control measures to prevent overcrowding and ensure safe evacuation routes.
- Food Safety: If serving food, follow proper food handling guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
7. Pet Safety
Protect pets from summer hazards:
- Heat Precautions: Advise pet owners not to leave pets in hot cars and to provide plenty of water and shade for pets kept outdoors.
- Leash Laws: Enforce lease laws to prevent accidents and ensure pets are under control.
- Paw Protection: Remind residents that hot pavement can burn pets’ paws and to walk them during cooler times of the day.
By implementing these summer safety tips, community associations can help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and worry-free season for all residents. Prioritizing safety not only enhances the quality of life in your community but also fosters a sense of security and well-being.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PS&S is an award-winning “one-stop shop” of architecture and engineering excellence, which was established in 1962. The depth and breadth of their expertise has helped PS&S grow into a firm offering multi-disciplined, full-service architecture, engineering, design, environmental and surveying consulting services. Headquartered in Warren, New Jersey, PS&S is well-positioned to meet client needs through a series of regional offices and affiliates. In addition to New Jersey offices in Cherry Hill, Cinnaminson, and Wall, PS&S also maintain regional offices in New York City, Yonkers, and Woodbury, New York, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information, contact Vice President Dave Kiessling, R.C.S., R.S. by email at: dkiessling@psands.com or visit their website at: www.psands.com.
