1.     Check out the facilities where the picnic will be held. Is there a grill, ample trashcans, bathrooms, and decent shelter? No one wants to run halfway across the park to locate a bathroom for their little ones. Know the place you will be using before you get there, if possible.

2.     Even if the weather is not hot, the sun can burn. Be sure that everyone has applied a good layer of sunscreen to protect them all day. Waterproof sunscreen works best so protection isn’t compromised. Don’t forget to bring along hats and sunglasses as well.

3.     Completely clean coolers before filling them with ice.  If the drinks are kept separate from the drinks, such as in bags then the ice cooling the drinks may be used to keep drinks cold in cups. And, as the ice melts, drain it into empty containers or cups for ice cold drinking water instead of buying bottled water.

4.     Don’t forget the insect repellant. Check labels to make sure it is safe for kids, if they will be attending the picnic. Avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth when spraying or rubbing it on the skin and reapply as needed to keep those nasty buggers away.

5.     Have adequate refrigeration for cold foods and raw meat. The night before the picnic, refrigerate all raw meats and anything that will need to maintain a cool temperature at the picnic. Move them directly from the refrigerator to a cooler full of ice. Dump the ice from the raw food cooler once the food has been prepared so no one mistakes it for ice to be used in their drink. A small kid pool filled with ice can keep the cold foods cold while everyone is eating.

6.     Cover all foods on the picnic table. Use aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep your food safe from these unwanted guests.

7.     Bring hand sanitizer and a jug of water for hand washing and cleanup. Hand sanitizer works best when hands aren’t visibly soiled. Use water to rinse off dirt and grime, dry, and then cover hands will a generous dollop of hand sanitizer. The water can be used to cool off hot coals when grilling is complete as well.

8.     Throw away any mayonnaise or milk based dish that has been sitting out for more than an hour. In the heat, it doesn’t take long for these types of foods to go bad. Really, any dish that needs to be served cold should be taken care of after meal time as well.

When you remember these and other picnic safety rules, you’re in for a day full of fun and protection for everyone who attends. 

Enjoy!

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