Summer Safety at Home and Abroad

If you have children of your own, then summer vacation means you’re still not in the kid-free zone. Although you’re no doubt up on school safety, it’s time to secure that home front. Here are some of the biggest threats to child safety, and how to address them.

Falling and Drowning

Children are at their most adventurous in the summer months. While swimming and climbing are excellent ways to burn all that excess energy, you need to practice extra caution when kids climb trees, rocks or hills and play in the pool. Explain safety to kids, keep them off high places unless they’re secured, and always gate and lock the pool.

Choking and Suffocating

Small objects can choke and kill children, while plastic bags or even heavy blankets can suffocate kids if you aren’t careful. Keep dangerous objects and piles of linens out of reach, and always monitor younger children while at play.

Burns and Poisoning

If you keep dangerous substances out of reach of children, you can significantly reduce the chances of poisoning. To prevent burns, explain the dangers of fire, keep kids away from campfires when sleepy, and require distance from hot stovetops, fireplaces and bonfires at all times.

Heat Stroke and Sunburn

Prevent heat stroke in the warmer months with plenty of water and shade. Here are some more Tips for Keeping Children Safe from the Sun this Summer.

Emergency Preparedness

Know your area’s likely natural disasters and severe weather.  Prepare accordingly by researching on your state’s health department site or visiting the CDC site to learn more about emergencies such as:

• Hurricanes: It’s important to be safe and plan ahead, the CDC offers tips on how to stock up on supplies and plan for emergencies.
• Tornadoes: Knowing what to do when you see a tornado, or when you hear a tornado warning, can help protect you and your family. Although nothing can be done to prevent tornadoes, there are actions you can take for your family’s health and safety.
• Wildfires:  More and more people are making their homes in areas that are prone to wildfires. You can take steps to be ready for a wildfire and prepare your home and landscaping to reduce your risk. Learn how to protect yourself and your family from a wildfire, evacuate safely during a wildfire, and how to stay healthy when you return home.

First Aid

It is ALWAYS a good idea to keep first aid kits or emergency kits at home and in vehicles in case of emergency.

If you keep these dangers in mind and take active steps to prevent them, your children will be much safer at home. Next time you enjoy some summer R&R, you can do it without the fear that something might happen to the kiddos.