Summer Safety Tips for Children and Parent

Summer is a fun-filled season for kids, but it is also the time of year they’re likely to end up in the emergency room having an injury. They play out more frequently than other times annually and have increased exposure to the sun, insects, and contaminated water and food. They spend more time riding bikes and skateboards, swimming in garden pools or lakes, sitting around campfires and backyard barbecues, light fireworks and playing near lawnmowers. Furthermore, outdoor toys may collect germs and become damaged or chipped.

With the abundance of recent toy recalls and the higher risk of injury during the summertime, it is essential to be vigilant about safety and to review your safety measures.

Sun Exposure

For infants, under 6 months it is necessary to prevent sun exposure. Make sure you dress babies in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and wide-brimmed hats – protect the arms, legs, and neck. Apply a little bit of sunscreen to any exposed skin like the face, hands, and back of the throat. If an infant gets sunburned, use cold compresses.

For children, be sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin 30 minutes before they go outdoors. Dress them in cotton clothes and have them wear hats with a brim and sunglasses. Attempt to limit their exposure to sunlight, especially during the peak hours between 10 4 and% p.m. Be sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

Heat Exhaustion

When the humidity and heat are highest, it is best to limit intense activities to 15 minutes or less. It is possible to gradually increase action time on a two-week interval as children acclimate to the summertime. Have your kids drink cold water or non-carbonated beverages every 20 minutes, even if they’re not thirsty. Dress them in lightweight, light-colored clothing and change wet or sweaty clothes.

Pool Safety

When you’ve got a swimming pool, then you should install a gated fence four feet high around the region to prevent young children from falling into the water. Never leave kids playing in the pool and make sure you keep rescue equipment, such as a shepherd’s hook and life vests, in an accessible location. Have a telephone nearby in case of emergencies.

Insect Safety

Do not wash your children with scented shampoos or soaps. Bright clothes and flower patterns or floral scents can bring insects. Don’t allow your kids to play near stagnant bodies of water, flowerbeds or food gardens. Have them use insect repellent to protect against ticks and mosquitoes when playing near woods or fields. Never allow children to play in any agricultural region which might have used pesticides. Insect repellents containing DEET are not suggested for young kids. Don’t use repellents containing over 30 percent DEET on almost any kid. Organic sprays are offered on the market, and natural repellents can be made by soaking garlic or peppermint in water. Growing herbs such as thyme, rosemary, lavender, fennel, and marjoram can help safeguard your backyard from mosquitoes.

Playground Safety

All playgrounds should have loose-fill materials such as sand, woodchips or bark maintained to a thickness of at least 9 inches. Equipment should not have subjected S-hooks or protruding bolts. All swings need to be made of soft materials such as rubber, soft plastic or wool. Never attach kids to lines, ropes or leashes that could strangle the child. Children on playground equipment ought to be supervised in any way times. See: Heizomat Canada | Fully Automated Woodchip Heating

Bicycle Safety

Stick with coaster brakes and training wheels before your kid is experienced enough to manage hand brakes and two wheels. Shop for bicycles with your child so that he can test a bike beforehand, making certain it is the right size and a comfy fit. Oversized bikes are especially dangerous to inexperienced riders. Ensure that your child wears a bike helmet in any way times. Driveways and sidewalks close to the home are just as dangerous as roadways and bicycle paths. Lead by example and always wear a helmet and utilize proper bike safety when riding with your children.

Skateboard and In-Line Skate Safety

Children shouldn’t ride skateboards or utilize hinges near traffic or roadways. Make sure kids wear protective equipment, pads, and a helmet at all times.

Lawnmower Safety

Constantly use a mower that has a safety handle that stops the engine when the handle is let go. Children under 12 years shouldn’t use lawn equipment. Ensure anybody using a lawn mower wears protective hearing equipment and eye protection. Clear the lawn of any rocks, stones or toys before any mowing begins. Always wear sturdy shoes, never sandals. Make certain that the blades come to a full stop and engine is turned off before unclogging the machine.

Toy Safety

New national safety rules and steps were passed in 2007 following a rash of toy recalls. In April of 2010, however, the Consumer Product Safety Commission awarded many toy manufacturers the right to perform their particular in-house testing of merchandise. The senior director of product security at the Consumers Union, Don Mays, questioned the decision, stating, “There is the possibility of a conflict of interest… it’s a bit like the fox guarding the henhouse.”

There’s currently the increased possibility of toys being remembered once they have reached the market. Prior to buying a toy, make certain to read the labels and warnings on the package. Check the toy and make certain there aren’t any components that may be swallowed or cause choking. Be confident that toys do not have any sharp edges or points which could cut or puncture the skin. Do not buy young children any toys using power or possess mixable fluids or chemicals.

If one of your kid’s toys is recalled, you should take it out of him or her immediately. If you’ve got a concern that the toys might have been contaminated with lead, you should take your kid to the doctor for a checkup and have his or her blood tested. If the blood test shows high lead levels, make sure you shoot photographs of the toy, such as any bite marks, and contact a personal injury attorney.