Outdoor Safety

Ticks are small arachnids that are often barely visible to the eye. Ticks are found in bushy or wooded areas that have tall grass or lots of leaves on the ground. Lawns, sports fields, or paved areas are not where ticks are commonly found. Being bitten by a blacklegged tick may subject you to the risk of acquiring Lyme Disease.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacteria that can be carried by blacklegged ticks. By taking these steps to prevention, you can keep yourself safe!

• Wear light coloured clothing so that ticks can be easily spotted

• Wear close-toed shoes, long sleeves and long pants, tuck pants into socks

• Walk in the center of trails and stay away from high grass and shrubs at the edge of trails

• Use a bug repellent containing DEET (following manufacturer’s instructions)

• Be inspected by an adult or buddy for any attached ticks after being in bushy or wooded areas

Removing a Tick

There is no need to be afraid of ticks, but knowing how to protect yourself from being bitten is important! Any ticks found on the skin should be properly removed.

• Remove ticks with fine tipped tweezers. Do not squeeze or try to burn it off

• Grab the tick as close to your skin as possible

• Pull the tick away from your skin gently but firmly

Place the tick in a jar or bottle and take it to one of the Toronto Public Health Offices for identification and testing. 

For more information visit:

https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/lyme-disease/

Sun safety activities are intended to be used with children from Preschool to Grade 6 to educate them about the importance of sun safety. These learning activities can be used in conjunction with other sun safety efforts such as:

• planning outdoor play before 11 a.m. and/or after 3 p.m.

• seeking or creating shade with trees or umbrellas

• covering up with clothing and sunglasses

• making time for staff and children to apply sunscreen

• consulting with a Public Health Nurse for more sun safety ideas by calling 416-338-7600

Learn more about sun safety and using sunscreen at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/cancer-prevention-and-screening/sun-safe-outdoor-events/.