June 2026 Newsletter: Summer Safety

A fire truck is parked on a street where children are riding bicycles. It promotes community safety from South Metro Fire Rescue.

Colorado's summer is here! Pools are open, the sun is shining, and graduation parties are wrapping up. Now's the time to review South Metro Fire Rescue's Summer Safety tips to ensure summer remains your favorite time of year. 

South Metro's top risks we're tackling this summer include (but are not limited to):

  • Wildfire
  • E-Bikes & E-Scooters 
  • Reservoirs 
  • Pools and Drowning Prevention
  • Fireworks 
  • Grilling Safety
  • Heat Related Injuries

To open this newsletter directly on our website, click here! 

WILDFIRE

Wildfires have evolved in recent years, making them extremely dangerous and challenging for firefighters to control.

Firefighters are battling a grass fire, working with hoses and equipment in a dry landscape. Smoke and flames are visible.

Preparing your home for a wildfire includes creating Defensible Space. Defensible Space is the area around a home (or structure) that has been modified to reduce fire hazard by creating space between potential fuel sources. Visit our Prepare for a Wildfire webpage for more information. 

A call to action for signing up for Reverse 911 alerts about wildfires, highlighting the urgency of receiving timely information.
Sign up for your county's Reverse 9-1-1 by clicking the image above. 

 

E-BIKE, E-SCOOTER, and E-MOTO SAFETY

Did you know that crashes involving electric rides can lead to serious, life-long injuries? This is especially true when riders skip helmets, ignore traffic laws, or ride recklessly. Whether riding on streets, trails, or neighborhoods, safety should always come first so everyone can enjoy the ride and get home safely.

 

The image provides safety guidelines for E-bikes, E-scooters, and E-motos, highlighting collision risks and classification rules.
The image promotes wearing helmets for e-bike and e-scooter safety, highlighting injury statistics and safety tips for riders.

Visit South Metro's BIKE SAFETY page and LITHIUM-ION BATTERY page for more information. 

 

RESERVOIR SAFETY

Many water-related deaths and injuries are preventable, as a common factor in many of these deaths is the absence of life jackets. Life jackets aren’t just for children or inexperienced swimmers; they’re essential for everyone on or near the water. Even if you don’t plan to get wet, unexpected accidents can happen in an instant. Wearing a life jacket can make all the difference.

A group of divers in red waterproof suits is preparing equipment near a boat on a possibly turbulent body of water.

Weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for the right type of weather notifications to stay Weather Aware while you're on the water. 

To learn more about PFD's and staying Weather Aware, visit our Open Water Safety webpage. 

 

POOLS AND DROWNING SAFETY

Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1-4.

Kids with sunglasses playing in a pool using inflatable rings.

It only takes a moment. A child can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, refill a drink, or apply sunscreen. One second can change your summer. 

Designate a WATER WATCHER: This adult is tasked with one job - Watch the kids in the water. They cannot be distracted by conversation, drinking, or be on their phone. This adult should be replaced with another responsible individual every 15 minutes so they stay vigilant.

Water Watcher badge with emergency instructions. Front: "Do not distract me." Back: CPR steps for drowning emergencies with a red lanyard.
Reach out to ReducingRisk@SouthMetro.org to learn more about our Water Watcher Campaign. 

Wear a Water Watcher lanyard or hat indicating that your are "on duty". Once your 15 minutes is up, pass this responsibility onto another capable adult so the watcher stays vigilant. 

Download your own "Water Watcher" Lanyard insert HERE. 

 

 FIREWORKS

While we would prefer you leave all fireworks to the professionals, we know a lot of our neighborhoods choose to celebrate on their own. Many residential fires are started by improper disposal of fireworks. 

  • Keep a bucket of water nearby so you can quickly extinguish fireworks and sparklers. 
  • Soak them in the bucket overnight before disposing of them in the trash can. 
Fire truck and ambulance from South Metro Fire Rescue parked with fireworks in the night sky, urban buildings in the background.

Visit our FIREWORKS SAFETY PAGE on our website to learn more about firework safety. 

Information on fire restrictions and fire bans can change rapidly. The most current information can and should be obtained from your local county sheriff or the forest service using the links below: 

To learn about Colorado's Bucket Brigade campaign, please visit Division of Fire Prevention and Control's Webpage. 

GRILL SAFETY

Backyard grilling is a favorite summer tradition, but it also comes with fire risks. Grease buildup, unattended flames, and improper grill placement are common causes of grilling-related fires. Keep your grill clean, stay nearby while cooking, and have a fire extinguisher or hose within reach.

 

Heat-Related Emergencies 

Colorado summers bring sunshine, outdoor adventures, and rising temperatures that can quickly become dangerous. 

A crowd watches a parade with kids and families enjoying the festivities, featuring a fire truck and American flags.

While outside this summer, keep an eye out for signs and symptoms of common heat-related illnesses: 

The image provides information on heat-related illnesses, including symptoms, first aid tips, and the importance of staying hydrated.

Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and take breaks in the shade when spending time outdoors. Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle—even for a minute. The temperature inside a car can rise by up to 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, creating dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions for children and animals very quickly. Learn more about Heat-Related Illnesses on the CDC's Heatstress Webpage.

Firefighters rescued a fluffy orange cat, showcasing a heroic moment amidst a sunny neighborhood scene.
Keep an eye out for South Metro Fire Rescue's Community Risk Reduction Team out at Summer Events throughout our district!

Learn about all this summer safety information and so much more at one of our education booths! We would love for you to come say hi!

A woman stands at a booth for South Metro Fire Rescue, promoting safety and risk reduction at an outdoor event.
A community event scene with people interacting, a rescue worker engaging with a child, and a police vehicle in the background.

June 3rd - Summer Kickoff at H2O’Brien Pool in Parker from 1:00 - 3:00pm.

June 13th - Highlands Ranch Kid Fest at Civic Green Park from 9:00am - 12:00pm. 

June 18th - Lone Tree Safety Fun Day at Prairie Sky Park from 10:00 - 11:00am.

July 18th - Littleton's E-Bike Safety Event (Lookout for more details coming soon!) 

August 15th - Western Welcome Week in Downtown Littleton from 8:00am - 4:00pm 

August 5th - Highlands Ranch Ice Cream Social at Civic Green Park from 5:00pm - 8:00pm

May contain: people, person, adult, female, woman, accessories, belt, glasses, jewelry, necklace, and balloon
South Metro Fire Rescue's Community Risk Reduction Team

 

 From our South Metro Family to yours, we hope you have a Safe Summer!
South Metro Fire Rescue badge with text: "Community Risk Reduction Team South Metro Fire Rescue."
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