Summertime in Maryland is something special, especially in Charles County. Our proximity to several rivers and the ocean make boating, fishing, and other water sports a popular activity, and there are endless options for things to do in our local area as well as in nearby Washington D.C. and Baltimore. 

In between all of the boating, blue crabs, and baseball games, however, we want to remind our citizens to make safety a priority. We’ve compiled the below summer safety tips to educate and remind the wonderful communities that we serve of several things to be mindful of during the summer months:

Lock up!

  • Never leave your unattended vehicle with its windows down or doors unlocked.
  • Make sure to always lock up your house, garage, and shed if you have one. 
  • Bring valuables inside.

Avoid heat related injuries or death.

  • Never leave kids, pets, or anyone in your care inside your unattended vehicle.
  • If your kids or pets are playing outside on a hot day, be sure they drink plenty of water and find shade when they need it.

Practice safe bike riding.

  • Check your bike to make sure the tires are inflated and the brakes are working. Put reflectors on the front and back of your bike.
  • Always wear a helmet and pads for protection.
  • If you ride on the street, keep to the right and follow all traffic signs.
  • Be on the lookout for traffic, yield to vehicles, and signal when turning.
  • Use the crosswalks and yield to pedestrians. If you have to cross at an intersection, look both ways and walk your bike to the other side.
  • Stay alert and watch out for hazards.

Drive safely.

  • Always designate a sober driver. This applies to driving your car, motorcycle, boat, or anything on the road. 
  • Buckle up.
  • Avoid distractions while driving. Put your phone down. 
  • Always look for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. 

Be prepared before you leave on vacation.

  • If you are going out of town, ask a family member or trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house and retrieve any mail or packages that arrive. 
  • Make sure your home is locked up and secure.
  • Set a light on a timer inside of your home to create the appearance of activity inside.
  • Consider installing exterior motion sensor lighting. This can help deter crime. 
  • Keep your valuables out of plain sight, and place them in a safe if possible. 
  • Do not post your vacation plans on social media.

As always, report suspicious activity by calling 301-932-2222. Let’s all work together to prevent crime and have a safe summer.