Summer is finally here and now is the time to prepare you and your family to play it safe during the warm weather months. E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety offers some simple yet important tips to remain safe while having fun this summer.
Water:
Closely supervise kids while they are near bodies of water. Drowning is among the leading causes of accidental death with children. Make sure everyone wears a personal flotation device while boating and that it has a snug fit so it won’t slip off the child or adult.
Bicycle:
Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents do happen. Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or using a skateboard. It should cover the forehead and sit on the head. Remember to fasten the helmet tight enough that two fingers fit between the chin and the strap. The helmet should have a sticker that indicates it meets the rules set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Fireworks:
Avoid contact with fireworks and sparklers. They can reach temperatures in excess of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and cause third-degree burns in a matter of seconds. Secure matches and lighters out of the reach of young, curious hands.
Sunscreen:
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater to reduce the intensity of the sun’s ultra violet rays, which cause burns and damage to the skin. Apply sunscreen 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure and every hour after swimming or playing in the sprinkler. Limit sun exposure especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the summertime UV rays are the strongest.
Other Tips:
- Drink plenty of water before you go outside and while you are outside in order to stay hydrated.
- Remember to run water through the garden hose and dump the standing water on an inflatable water slide in the yard to avoid a scald burn.
Nothing protects your child better than being alert and observant. One of the safest ways to protect your children outdoors is to provide constant supervision by a responsible adult. By keeping an eye on your children, you can step in before an injury occurs or respond quickly if a problem arises.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Prevention and E.S.C.A.P.E Fire Safety & Fire Safety Services has educated more than 1 million children and adults in fire safety, personal health and safety preparedness and evacuation techniques. The organization is the safety partner of School News Network.
