Summertime is an often long-awaited and typically brief portion of the year in the Upper Peninsula, so worth making the most of while it lasts.

With temperatures finally trending warmer, the website landmarkhealth.org has issued some tips for keeping safe while spending time outdoors in the summer months. They are —

— Stay cool: If outdoors, take breaks from the heat, especially during the hottest part of the day.

— Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

— Stay protected: Avoid strenuous or high-energy activities. Remember to wear loose and lightweight, light-colored clothing. Wear sunscreen before going out, and when outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible and wear a hat with a wide brim.

— Watch for signs of heat stress: On hot days, be on the lookout for signs of heat illness in yourself and others. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible on hot days.

The American Red Cross also issued an extensive list of summer safety tips on its website, including outdoor food preparation safety. It states —

— Wash hands, utensils and workstation before preparing food.

— Separate uncooked meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods such as salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.

— Bring hand sanitizer if the outdoor site doesn’t have hand-washing facilities.

— If cooking on the grill, bring a food thermometer to be sure grilled foods are cooked enough.

— Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

— Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or 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 tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep those cooking safe.

— Don’t leave perishable food out in the sun.

For the full list of summer safety tips, go online to www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/summer-safety.html.

We hope you and your family stay safe out there, and have a great summer season.