• Hot summer temperatures can pose several safety risks.Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
  
  The summer of 2010 was the fourth hottest ever according to New York City's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, which has been keeping temperature records since 1879. Rising temperatures and an increase in outdoor activity are staples of the summer across the United States. The combination can present several safety risks that can be prevented by taking some simple precautionary measures.
  
  

Fire Safety

• According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA,) approximately 15,000 people are injured every summer by fireworks and charcoal, wood-burning and propane grill fires. Hot temperatures dry out forests and grasslands increasing the risk of wildfires when fires are hastily or improperly extinguished. The USFA recommends avoiding amateur fireworks not only because of the potential risk of fire, but also because they present a significant safety hazard when improperly ignited. Keep campfires away from dry grass and leaves. Also never leave campfires unattended and keep a shovel and bucket of water handy to properly extinguish the fire.
  
  

Heat Exposure

• According to the American Red Cross, people of all ages are at risk for heat exposure when temperature rise about 90 degrees. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 400 Americans die every year from heat exposure. There are several heat safety precautions you can take to reduce the risk of harmful heat exposure. The Red Cross recommends wearing light colored clothing and drinking water continuously even when you are not thirsty. Avoid strenuous activity and stay in the lowest level of your home away from the sunshine.
  
  

Water Safety

• Many people, particular young people, seek relief from the summer heat by swimming in pools, lakes, rivers and the ocean. Because of this, water-related injuries and drownings spike during the summer months. Supervision and simple safety strategies can go a long way to making your family's summer at the beach or pool a safe and enjoyable one. Never swim alone or without adult supervision. Never dive or jump into water whose depth you are not familiar with and always swim in pairs. Many Red Cross chapters throughout the United States offer courses in CPR, which when completed can prove to be a useful resource in the event of a summer accident.