Summer Safety: Protecting Your Family From Warm-Weather Dangers
I can remember spending every summer outdoors as a child and having a blast. What I didn’t think about back then were the precautions that had to be taken to ensure that I was safe as well as having fun. As an adult I work with children every day and constantly consider the safety precautions that must be taken during the summer. This does not mean that children should not be outdoors, because they should be outside and active, but parents and child caregivers need to make sure that certain precautions are taken to prevent major problems. We all know that no matter how much planning is done things happen, but we can eliminate many risks simply by thinking ahead.
Sand, Sun and SafetyEvery summer we see children and adults running around with hideous sunburns. These burns can be prevented, or at least lessened, by thinking before going out or taking your child out in the sun. We do not always consider how incredibly hot and dangerous the sun can be to our skin and our children’s skin. Every burn causes damage to the skin and years of damage can cause skin cancer. Children should always wear an SPF of 25 or higher when they are outdoors and it should be waterproof if the children are going to be in the water. Whether children are in the water or not, they need to stay hydrated with water or Gatorade to prevent dehydration or heat stroke. Children should take regular breaks when running and playing and should try to find shade or seek indoor protection throughout the day when the heat index is really high. Children can add protection by wearing sunglasses and hats to protect their eyes and faces from the sun. If children stay hydrated, wear sunblock and avoid extremely high heat indexes, they should be free to enjoy the beautiful weather and not be kept inside constantly.
Splish-Splash Summer FunMany families who enjoy going to the beach and area pools every summer should do so while keeping their children safe. Parents and child caregivers need to pay attention to what height the water is marked in each area of the pool. Know how tall your children are and keep them in the appropriate area based on height and swimming ability. Be sure to stay with your children or at least be watching them at all times. If your child is younger, you may consider putting your child in a float (if floats are allowed at the pool you are attending).
Teach your children about playing safely in the water. Rough play can lead to drowning. If you are at a pool and the lifeguard is not doing their job, it is okay to report them to their supervisor. When at the beach, do not allow small children to go out very far and always stay with them. Make sure that even older children are aware of the height of the waves, how far out they can go and the unseen dangers around them such as strong under currents and sea-dwelling creatures.
Pedal ProtectionChildren and families tend to ride their bikes a great deal in the summer. Riding a bike is great for exercise and a fun family activity, but be sure that safety measures are taken prior to riding. Your child’s bike needs to be the correct size for him or her. If your child has not yet learned to ride a full-size bike, he or she may need to use training wheels or a tricycle. Be sure that if you are not riding with your child, you can see them or at least know where they will be riding. If your child is not going to be near your house, do not allow them to be alone. If they are riding with friends, make sure that they have a cell phone in their pocket and know what to do in case of an emergency. Be sure your child knows not to talk to anyone that they do not know. No matter what age your child may be, make sure that they are wearing a helmet. Knee and elbow pads are not a bad idea either, especially if your child is younger or inexperienced.
Exploring the Great OutdoorsPublic parks are a great place to go when the weather is warm. There are a few things, however, that parents and children need to be aware of when playing at the park. For one thing, your child should never be left unattended because the park is the perfect place for a child to be abducted. Children should not go to the restroom alone, nor should they be left alone outside while you go to the restroom. Many parks also have fountains and other bodies of water that could potentially cause a tragedy if you take your eyes off of your child for a few moments.
Make sure that children do not get too close to any animals at the park. No matter how cute and cuddly they look, they can be dangerous and should be admired from a distance. Please do not allow your child to chase or throw things at park animals; they are to be observed and not tortured, and this is also when they are the most likely to harm someone.
Be sure to check out the playground equipment before allowing your children to climb on or play with it. Look around sandboxes for dangerous or unsanitary items. Before going on hikes or walks, you may consider putting on bug repellent with DEET to prevent bites. Be sure to check your child after being outside to make sure that they do not have ticks or any other bugs or bites on their body. If your child is allergic to bees make sure that you have what you need in case of a sting. If they are with someone else outside, be sure that person is aware of the allergy and knows what to do. Educate your child on what poison ivy looks like and tell them not to touch any plants unless they check with an adult first. As adults, we know that if we do not know what it is then it should not be touched and that is what we need to tell our children.
On the Open RoadMillions of people travel during the summer months. Make sure that when you travel or you are out and about with your children that you have a fi rst aid kit handy. Kits come small enough now that they can easily be stashed in the car, purse or bag. Be sure to have a cell phone with you in case of an emergency, but do not use it while driving if it can be avoided. If you need to use your phone, pull off the road or wait until you are in traffi c or at a red light. Be sure that you and your children wear safety belts. Please pay attention to laws about car seat requirements. Children are expected to remain in a booster seat up until they are seven years old or four-foot-nine inches. Be sure to stay up-to-date and abide by the car seat and booster seat laws to keep your child safe and keep you out of trouble.
Traveling provides a great opportunity to play games and talk with your children. During talks or games be sure that children stay buckled and in their seats. Make them aware that your eyes need to be on the road and while you can talk to them you cannot look at them while driving. Fewer accidents occur on trips when children are busy and occupied.
Preparation is something that many feel is over-rated and some think that they do not have time to do. When you consider how dangerous it can be when you are not prepared, it really is worth taking a little extra time. It is also extremely important to educate your children on why you are taking the precautions that you are and what could happen if they choose not to listen. Even the youngest children should be told why you are doing what you are doing—they need to understand the importance of safety precautions. Encourage your family to take part in outdoor activities this summer and take the needed precautions to be safe while having fun. Remember to communicate with your children and be prepared so you can have a wonderful and safe summer.
