HCPSSStaying Healthy and Safe This Summer
July 3rd, 2025
We hope all students and their families are enjoying the summer break and staying safe. With the upcoming Independence Day holiday this week, HCPSS collaborated with the Howard County Health Department, Police Department, and Department of Fire and Rescue Services to uplift a few safety reminders to ensure everyone stays safe this summer.
Staying Safe in the Heat
Beat the heat with these tips:
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water or non-caffeinated beverages
- Avoid the hottest hours of the day and stay inside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen
- Take frequent breaks in air conditioning or shade
- Don’t leave kids or pets in cars
Firework Safety
While some fireworks are legal in Howard County (party poppers, ignitable snakes, snap ‘n pops and handheld sparklers), they can still pose dangers and cause serious injuries and burns. Follow local laws, light fireworks in open areas away from homes and keep a bucket of water nearby. More information on firework safety is available on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website.
Safe Firearm Storage
Make your home safer by keeping guns locked, unloaded and separate from locked ammunition and inaccessible to children. The Health Department, in partnership with the Howard County Library System, offers free gun locks at the Elkridge and East Columbia library branches to help prevent tragedies. Be SMART offers additional resources on secure gun storage on their website.
Summer Nutrition
As a reminder, HCPSS offers a free summer meal program open to all HCPSS students and children ages 18 and under at locations throughout Howard County to fill the nutritional gap over the summer months. The free summer meal program will continue through Aug. 1, on days when schools are open. There will be no meal service on Friday, July 4.