As Labor Day weekend approaches, many Milford-area residents will spend the unofficial final weekend of summer outside, whether that means heading to the beach, launching a boat, fishing, firing up the grill or simply enjoying one of the area’s parks and trails.
Although September is approaching, late-August conditions in Delaware can still feel very much like summer. A little preparation can make a long day outdoors safer and more enjoyable.
One of the easiest mistakes to make at this time of year is assuming the worst of the summer heat has passed. Warm temperatures combined with Delaware’s humidity can still make prolonged outdoor activity uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
Anyone planning a long walk, bike ride, fishing trip or other outdoor activity should carry plenty of water and take regular breaks, particularly during the warmest part of the afternoon. Children and older adults may be more susceptible to heat-related problems, and pets need special consideration as well. Dogs can overheat quickly, particularly when exercising in direct sunlight.
Hot pavement is another concern. Asphalt and other paved surfaces can become considerably hotter than the surrounding air and may be uncomfortable or dangerous for a dog’s paws.
Mosquitoes and ticks don’t disappear when the calendar gets close to September. Anyone spending time in wooded or grassy areas should consider using an appropriate insect repellent and checking themselves, children and pets for ticks afterward.
Ticks often attach in areas that are easy to overlook, including around the hairline, behind the knees, under the arms and around the waist. Clothing and outdoor gear should also be checked after returning home.
Mosquitoes can remain active well into the fall, particularly around standing water. If you want to avoid chemical sprays, there are natural ways to prevent bites. Natural ways to reduce mosquito bites include wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and using plant-based repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus. Eliminating standing water around the home and using outdoor fans can also help, since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and are relatively weak fliers.
Labor Day weekend is traditionally a busy time on Delaware waterways, making basic boating precautions especially important.
Life jackets should be available and properly fitted for everyone aboard, and children should wear appropriate personal flotation devices. Boaters should also check weather conditions before leaving shore and pay attention to changing skies throughout the day.
Alcohol and boating can be a particularly dangerous combination. Just as with driving a vehicle, the safest choice is to designate someone who will remain sober and responsible for operating the boat.
Kayakers and paddleboarders should also wear personal flotation devices and let someone know where they plan to go and approximately when they expect to return.
For many families, Labor Day weekend means cooking outside. Grills should be placed on stable surfaces away from homes, decks, overhangs and anything else that could catch fire. A lit grill should never be left unattended, particularly when children or pets are nearby.
Food safety matters outdoors as well. Meat and other foods requiring refrigeration should not be left sitting in warm temperatures for extended periods, and separate utensils should be used for raw and cooked meats to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
A long trip isn’t necessary to spend Labor Day weekend outdoors. Milford offers several opportunities for walking and enjoying nature, including the city’s Riverwalk and local parks. Abbott’s Mill Nature Center provides additional opportunities to explore the area’s forests, wetlands and waterways.
Those willing to travel a little farther can find trails, wildlife viewing, fishing and paddling opportunities throughout central and southern Delaware.
Late summer can also be an interesting time to simply slow down and pay attention to changes outdoors. Days are gradually getting shorter, some migratory birds are beginning their seasonal movements and the landscape will soon begin its transition toward fall.
Labor Day may traditionally mark the end of summer, but in Delaware it certainly doesn’t mark the end of the outdoor season. With cooler days ahead, some of the best weather for exploring the First State may still be to come.
