Additionally, if you are getting your bikes and skates out for the first time in a while, it is advisable to check that they are in good working order, and perhaps take the time to tighten a few nuts and bolts.

Children love to explore, but it is important to encourage them to avoid riding near busy roads and streets. Parks are the most sensible places to take the children on their bikes.

Barbeques
The invigorating smell of barbeque cooking is one of the joys of summer, but with all the flammable liquids, raw meat and open flames about, they require caution.

First and foremost, keep lighter fuel, matches and lighters well out of reach of children.

Ensure that all meat is cooked through to avoid food poisoning. Raw and cooked meat must be kept separate; in fact, be sure you have separate plates, boards and cutlery to handle both types.

Insect bites
Keep nasty biting and stinging bugs at bay with long-lasting repellent. If you are travelling abroad, these products may be especially necessary.

Early morning and early evening are insect meal times, so covering up will prevent the chance that you will be bitten.

The worst part of insect bites is how horribly itchy they become. However, scratching them simply inflames the skin – cold baths are good for helping reducing the itching, and thus, your desire to scratch.

Sunburn
Sunburn is not only very uncomfortable, but is also widely known to have some dangerous long term affects. The key, of course, is plenty of sun cream. The most important parts are the bony bits: nose, forehead, cheeks, chin, elbows, shoulders and knees. After swimming, reapply.

Sun cream is not the only way to protect your skin: wide-brimmed hats, parasols and simply keeping yourself in the shade during the times when the sun is at its brightest and highest will help keep you safe.

It’s not wise to feel that being under clouds is 100% safe. The sun’s radiation can still get to you in those conditions, so sensible use of sun cream and clothing is essential.

Dehydration
Drinking water regularly has to be one of the 'top tips’ for coping with the heat. It is recommended that you drink at least 2 litres of water per day. Fruit juices and caffeine free soft drinks also work well.

Especially if you are being active, playing sports etc, your body can lose a lot of precious fluid, so have water or fruit juice ready for people to drink. Adults can lose up to 2.5 litres of fluid per day.

Coffee and other caffeinated drinks, some teas, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks all increase dehydration.

Allergies
If someone in the family suffers from hay fever, you are probably already familiar with the treatments. Anti-histamine tablets, nasal sprays and some eye-drops can be effective at combating the effects of hay fever.

To avoid some of the symptoms, keep an eye on the pollen count, usually announced on the radio and TV weather forecasts. It is a good idea to wear sunglasses if you suffer from weeping eyes.

Having hay fever is a good excuse to avoid mowing the lawn as it exacerbates the problem. Also, parks and fields are danger areas, especially in the early evening.