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Wohoo!! Summer is officially here, so is the fun time for kids and families to enjoy the outdoor activities. Even though kids are on summer vacation, some of us mom and dad still have to go to work. However, as parents we need to be over protective on how to keep our kids safe during the summer season. As a Mom and First Responders I love playing both roles to our kid when it comes to his safety and others as well. I compiled a Safety Tips for keeping our kids safe this summer. With the nature of my job on what I’ve seen, has made me more over protective of my son safety. Kids are Kids and if we as parents are not constantly watching them it only takes less than a second for tragedy to occur. I know as a mom we want to keep our kids in a bubble so they can be protected forever, but’s that’s wishful thinking In the world of make believe. In The real world we live today with all that’s happening we have to have ten eyes on our kids. Especially if they are young, they are curious and want to explore not knowing the danger that they adventurer can encounter.
Fireworks
As we Celebrate Independence Day, it can be fun times enjoying barbecues at the park or backyard with family and friends. But there are people who wants to celebrate with fireworks, make sure they know about fireworks safety especially around kids. Although purchase of Fireworks are illegal in some states but if you live in one of those that are legal please enjoy firework with caution.
- Don’t give young kids sparklers. Most of the time parents don’t know how dangerous this fireworks is. As harmless as it looks it can cause eye injury and burn.
- If you have small kids consider skipping at home fireworks and check out firework shows in your town.
- Dont allow your kids to play, touch or lite any fireworks.
- If you live in a state that fireworks are allowed and you give your kids the sparkles, make sure it’s away from their face, hair and clothes.
- Kids 5 and under have little arms and are more of risk of injury than older kid.
- Sparklers can heat up to 1200-1900 degrees hot, keep a cup to water near so when the sparklers fizzle up place it inside cup.
- Avoid wearing flips flops or open toes sandals when handling sparklers or any fireworks.
Outdoor Activities
As a parent we have to encourage physical activity to our kids to keep them going like exercising, bike riding or running around in the back yard or park, but we still have to encourage safety.
- Sun Protection- Sunscreen Lotion should always be applied when outdoors.
- Mosquito Repellents– Mosquitoes carry viruses, so make sure you use an effective repellent with DEET. When applying don’t spray a kids hands or face. Once you get home check kids and clothes for ticks and bathe them before bed to wash off the repellent.
- Bike Riding, scooter, skates,or skateboardmake sure kids wear helmets.
- Lawn Mower- Children should no be in the yard when doing work or while it’s being mowed. The sharp blades can pose danger to a child if it gets caught. Also kids shouldn’t ride on top of lawn mowers.
- Barbecuing– Summer is the season for BBQ and Camp Fires. Make sure your grilling area is not near their play area or located where they can run into it. Just like you teach them at home they can’t touch the stove the same rules applies for grills.
- Campfire– Be cautious where the camp fire is at and make sure kids are not around it even when fire is put out that area is still hot.
- Food Safety- While temperature are rising, food can easily can get spoiled. Make sure food is cooked and is not out for to long.
- Trampolines– Ive never been a fan and a kids can easily get injured. Be cautious when having kid(s) on trampoline to only have two or maybe less at a time.
- Hydration-it’s so important to keep kids hydrated especially when temperatures creeps up high. Try to encourage them to drink water every 15-20 mins or so.
- Don’t leave Kids inside the car. When parents do this I just don’t get it why would they leave a baby, kid or pet inside a Hot Blazing Car. If temperature is 80-90 degrees, the temperature inside of a car parked under the sun can climb up to 130 and up. This is so Dangerous, so please DO NOT LEAVE KIDS INSIDE CAR.
Pool Safety
What kid doesn’t love the pool? Playing in the pool is a KIDS favorite activity to look forward to in the summer. Especially on those hot humid days can keep kids cool And it avoid them being overheated. But as much fun the pool Is it also poses a great danger.
- I can’t emphasize this enough to anyone with kids, not only as a mom but first responders – Make sure your kids are SUPERVISED at all times while in the pool.
- Drowning is the leading cause of death of a child from 1-4yrs old l.
- If your child doesn’t know how to swim and he/she is 4yrs older consider ENROLLING them in swimming class. If you can’t afford it and you know how to swim teach your kids how to swim.
- Teach kids the formal basic of floating or doggy paddle to move in the water.
- Invest in a good quality life vest and always take it with you when going to pool, lake or beach. I bought my son the TRC Recreation Kids Super Soft USCG Vest this was the best investment ever. Before my son learned how to swim I saw this vest on Disney Property Hotel, when we visited Disney and as soon as I came home I looked it up and bought it. Loved it, until he learned how to swim we took it with us on vacation, pools, lakes and beach. Especially on vacation to resorts or cruise the pools don’t have life guards.
- If you own a pool and have young kids make sure you surround the pool with isolation fence.
- Make sure you teach your kids to walk around the pool and not run. Slippery surface around the pool can cause a kid serious injury. This is something I’m constantly telling my kid over and over again. Don’t Run, walk around the pool.
- Parents and Caretaker, learn CPR. This is a MUST I can’t strongly advise how important it it to know CPR. With so many injuries in the pool you will need to know what to do if an accident occurs until first responders arrive.
If you want to know more on where to sign up for CPR classes check your local Red Cross or YMCA for certification courses . Download the Red Cross First Aid App to regularly refresh your skills.
Have a Happy Safe Summer. What are your summer plans? What safety precaution you taken this summer? Love to hear all about it, email me.
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