Keep your family safe this summer with simple summer safety tips advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Fireworks Safety
- Know and obey all laws regarding fireworks. Always report any illegal use of fireworks.
- Children should never use fireworks without adult supervision.
- Read instructions to make sure fireworks are age appropriate.
- Even “safe” fireworks such as sparklers can reach over 1000 degrees fahrenheit.
- Remember, fire and fireworks can result in severe burns, blindness, scars, and even death.
Bug Safety
- Avoid areas where insects may nest, such as stagnant pools of water or gardens with blooming flowers.
- Use insect repellent when outdoors to avoid harmful bites or stings.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET to prevent insect-related illnesses. Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease and mosquitoes can transmit West Nile and Zika viruses.
- If you are outside in the evening and mosquitoes are present, cover up with long sleeve shirts and pants.
Playground Safety
- Choose playgrounds with safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials such as rubber, sand, or wood chips.
- Examine the playground equipment to make sure it has been carefully maintained.
- Any swinging seats on the playground should be rubber, plastic, or canvas.
- Never allow children to attach to ropes, jump ropes, or leases. These can be choking hazards on the playground.
- Remember that rubber, plastic, and metal can get very hot in the summer, especially when directly under the sun.
- Do not allow your child to play barefoot on the playground.
- Parents should supervise their children at all times while they are on the playground.
Bicycle Safety
- When bicycling, helmets should always be worn, even if the trip is close to home. Many injuries occur on driveways and sidewalks.
- Helmets should be worn level, and be securely fashioned. If the helmet can tip forward or backwards, or if it is too snug, it needs to be readjusted.
- Make sure your child’s bike is the right size. Oversized bikes are extremely dangerous.
- Be sure you child can comfortably ride a 2-wheeler before taking off the training wheels.
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