Make Summer Memories, Not Emergency Calls
Summer holidays are the perfect time to relax, explore, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re hitting the road for a cross-country RV trip, spending weekends camping, or just planning a local staycation, safety should always be part of your summer planning.
At Sheldon Lake RV Resort, we welcome hundreds of families every summer—and we know that a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to avoiding accidents and staying safe.
In this guide, we’ll share the top safety tips to help you enjoy a fun, healthy, and worry-free summer holiday, whether you’re traveling solo or with kids and pets in tow.
1. Beat the Heat: Staying Cool and Hydrated
1.1 Understand the Risk
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious risks during the summer—especially in humid climates like Texas.
Tips to Stay Safe:
- Drink plenty of water: Aim for 8–10 glasses per day, more if you’re active.
- Avoid peak sun hours (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Wear breathable, light-colored clothing
- Use hats, sunglasses, and UV-blocking umbrellas
- Apply and reapply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
At Sheldon Lake, we recommend taking breaks in shaded areas and enjoying early morning or late evening outdoor activities to avoid peak heat.
2. Stay Safe Around Water
Whether you’re swimming in a lake, pool, or ocean, water safety is essential—especially for families with children.
Tips for Water Safety:
- Always supervise children around water (even shallow areas)
- Don’t swim alone
- Use life jackets for kids and non-swimmers
- Avoid alcohol while swimming or boating
- Check water conditions and warning flags
If you’re visiting Sheldon Lake State Park, pay attention to posted signs and follow local regulations for fishing or boating.
3. Fire and BBQ Safety
Summer and BBQs go hand-in-hand—but outdoor cooking and campfires can quickly become dangerous without proper precautions.
Grilling Safety Tips:
- Keep your grill 10 feet away from RVs, tents, or structures
- Never leave a lit grill unattended
- Use long-handled tools to avoid burns
- Let coals cool completely before disposal
Campfire Safety Tips:
- Only use designated fire rings
- Keep water or sand nearby to extinguish fires
- Never burn plastics or treated wood
- Fully extinguish fires before going to sleep
Pro Tip: At Sheldon Lake RV Resort, designated fire areas make it easy to enjoy safe outdoor cooking and evening bonfires.
4. Travel and Road Safety
Planning a road trip or RV journey this summer? Your safety on the road is just as important as your destination.
Before You Travel:
- Get your vehicle and RV serviced
- Check tire pressure and tread
- Bring a spare tire, jack, and emergency kit
- Map out fuel stops and rest areas
While Driving:
- Buckle up every time
- Avoid distractions—no texting or eating while driving
- Take breaks every 2–3 hours
- Watch for construction zones and slow down
If you’re staying at Sheldon Lake RV Resort, you’re just minutes away from Houston’s highways and service centers—making it a great pit stop or base for longer trips.
5. Food Safety in the Heat
Warm temperatures can quickly turn fresh food into a hazard. Whether you’re packing lunches for the park or grilling dinner at your campsite, food safety is crucial.
Tips to Avoid Food Poisoning:
- Keep raw meat separate from cooked items
- Use coolers with ice packs for perishable foods
- Don’t leave food out for more than 1 hour in hot weather
- Cook meat to proper internal temperatures (use a thermometer)
And always wash hands or use sanitizer before and after handling food.
6. Prevent Bug Bites and Insect-Borne Illnesses
Mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects can carry disease and ruin your fun fast.
Protection Tips:
- Use EPA-approved insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
- Check for ticks after hiking or playing in tall grass
- Avoid perfumes or scented lotions that attract bugs
At Sheldon Lake, we recommend treating your clothing and gear with permethrin if you plan to hike or fish near wooded trails.
7. Campground and RV Safety
When staying at a campground or RV resort, safety should remain a top priority—especially when camping with kids or pets.
General Safety Rules:
- Know where emergency exits and fire extinguishers are
- Keep a first-aid kit in your RV or tent
- Store propane and fuel safely
- Always lock up valuables when away from your site
Sheldon Lake RV Resort offers gated access, security measures, and clear park rules to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all guests.
8. Pet Safety in Summer
Fur babies feel the heat too! Don’t forget about your pets when planning your summer adventures.
Tips to Keep Pets Safe:
- Never leave them in a hot car or RV (even with windows cracked)
- Provide plenty of shade and water
- Walk them in the early morning or late evening
- Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed skin
- Watch for signs of heatstroke (excessive panting, drooling, lethargy)
Our resort is pet-friendly with open spaces and shade trees—but we always ask guests to keep pets leashed and clean up after them.
9. Know How to Handle Summer Emergencies
Even with the best planning, emergencies can happen. Be prepared for:
Heat Stroke
Symptoms: Headache, confusion, nausea, no sweating
Action: Move to shade, apply cool compresses, and call 911
Insect Allergies
Symptoms: Swelling, rash, difficulty breathing
Action: Use antihistamines or EpiPen and seek medical help
Dehydration
Symptoms: Dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine
Action: Drink electrolytes, rest in cool space
Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local hospitals, urgent care clinics, and poison control.
10. Practice Responsible Fun
The best summer safety tip? Use common sense and respect those around you.
- Don’t drink excessively in public places
- Keep music at a respectful volume
- Supervise children at all times
- Respect quiet hours and park rules
Whether you’re staying at Sheldon Lake or visiting local parks, a little courtesy goes a long way in keeping everyone safe and happy.
FAQs About Staying Safe in Summer
Q1: What should be in my summer safety kit?
Include:
✅ First-aid kit
✅ Sunscreen
✅ Bug spray
✅ Reusable water bottles
✅ Flashlight
✅ Emergency contact list
✅ Maps (in case GPS fails)
Q2: How can I protect my kids in the sun?
Dress them in UPF-rated clothing, wide-brim hats, and reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes. Also, keep them hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks.
Q3: What’s the best time of day to be outdoors in summer?
Before 10 AM and after 5 PM to avoid the most intense sun and heat.
Q4: How can I stay safe at RV parks or campgrounds?
Choose gated resorts with safety protocols, follow all posted rules, and keep your site clean and well-lit.
Q5: Are summer activities safe for seniors?
Absolutely, with precautions. Avoid the heat, use sun protection, stay hydrated, and consult with a doctor before engaging in strenuous activities.
Stay Safe and Make the Most of Your Summer
The summer holidays are a time for fun, freedom, and unforgettable memories. With just a bit of planning and awareness, you can avoid unnecessary risks and truly enjoy everything the season has to offer.
Whether you’re spending summer days by the lake, grilling at your RV site, or exploring local parks, Sheldon Lake RV Resort is here to offer you a safe, clean, and peaceful home base.
📍 Plan Your Summer Stay Today!
Address: 16925 Crosby Fwy, Houston, TX 77049
📞 Call Now: +1 (281) 317-6718
🌐 Book Online: sheldonlakerv.com
