Summer has arrived and it is time for adventure! But before you start with the fun and games, keep in mind these important summer safety tips.
Water Safety
Drownings are one of the leading causes of accidental deaths for children under five according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The number of drowning accidents increases during the summer months; 26 kids have suffered an accidental death due to drowning this year. To prevent unnecessary risk, parents are encouraged to keep a closer eye on their children, especially around water. Areas both in and out of the house should be kept closed off from children without supervision. Children participating in water activities like boating should always wear a life jacket. Click here for a printable list on safety tips.
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Watch_Kids_Around_Water/files/tips/tip_card_2012.pdf
Playgrounds
Spending time outdoors with your kids is a great way to pass a sunny day. But certain activities on the playground are more dangerous than others, especially ones that involve too much height. Parents magazine advisor Dennis Durbin, MD, director of research in emergency medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, advises that preschool age children should not be more than four feet off the ground and surfaces below are best when cushioned. Falls account for 75 percent of playground accidents and usually result in injury to the face, head, or arms. Parent supervision is also important, to keep falls from happening in the first place. Almost half of all falls occur due to a lack of supervision.
Heat Exposure
Summer heat can be dangerous for kids. On a mild scale, hot days can leave kids dehydrated, causing exhaustion, dizziness, and even vomiting. In more extreme cases, extreme temperatures can induce heat stroke or hyperthermia. For this reason, parents should be extremely cautious about keepings kids hydrated with water. Kids should also never be left alone in the car. A child left unattended in a vehicle can die within minutes on a hot day. Click here for more heat safety tips.
https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention/Vehicle_Safety/Flyer.pdf
Bicycles and Other Outdoors Sports
Bicycle injuries among kids 5-14 are more prevalent than any other sport according to SafeKids.org. To prevent serious injury, children should always wear a helmet. Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injury by up to 88 percent. Bikers, along with roller bladers and skateboarders, should also always stay on the right side of the road (going with the flow of traffic), make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and utilize safety lights when out at dusk or dawn. Learn how to properly fit a helmet here.
http://www.safekids.org/tip/helmet-fit-test-2013
Fireworks
Fireworks are dangerous and never advised around kids. Young children should also never be allowed to handle sparklers. While sparklers may seems harmless, they can heat up to 1,200 degrees and are more dangerous for little arms incapable of keeping them a safe distance away from the face. Guidelines for proper firework usage can be found here. While the idea of lighting fireworks as a family may sound fun, picking a unique spot to watch them can be equally as enjoyable and better for the environment too!