The end of the school year is an exciting time, but with kids getting ready to celebrate summer, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Friedman Law Offices has some great safety tips to keep you and your kids safe this summer.
- Check the car
Even in cooler weather, cars can still get hot inside when they’re sitting in the sun. As the temperatures soar in the summer, the internal temperature of your car can be higher than 100 degrees. Never leave a child or a pet unattended in a car, even for a few minutes.
- Ride bikes safely
Biking is a great way for kids to get exercise and fresh air, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers. To keep your child safe this summer, do a few things before they go out to play.
- Make sure their helmet fits properly. It should cover the forehead and be fastened securely under the chin.
- Make sure they stay away from the street as much as possible.
- If they absolutely must ride on the street, make sure they know to obey all traffic laws, ride on the correct side of the street, and wear bright reflective gear/ clothing.
- Avoid riding in hot weather as this can be extra tiring and they can be at risk for dehydration.
- Supervise pool activities
In the United States, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1-14 according to the CDC. Drowning can happen to anyone at any time, but it’s preventable with proper vigilance and supervision. That’s why it’s important to create safe environments for kids around water. By taking a few simple precautions, you can make sure your family enjoys the summer safely.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Always supervise children around water, even if they know how to swim. It only takes a few seconds for an accident to happen.
- Keep kids away from pool drains, pipes, and other underwater hazards.
- Make sure children wear life jackets when they’re around open water, such as lakes and oceans.
- Teach kids to never swim alone.
- Enroll kids in swimming lessons.
- Don’t let older children watch younger children near open water.
- Be aware of the dangers of heatstroke and dehydration.
Heatstroke cases spike during the summer months, especially in young children, and they can be life-threatening. Learn how to identify the signs of heatstroke. Children often show milder symptoms so it can be hard to spot.
- Keep an eye out for heat cramps and heat exhaustion
- Make sure your child stays hydrated and takes breaks in cooler areas if they are outside in the heat for extended periods of time.
- If you suspect heatstroke, time is of the essence. Remove the child from the hot environment and try to cool them down with a cold cloth or a bath.
- Seek medical help immediately if the child’s condition does not improve.
- Keep an eye out for insects and other pests.
- Avoid areas with high populations of mosquitoes or other insects that could carry disease.
- Apply bug spray to your child before they go outside, and have them wear long sleeves and pants if possible.
- If they do get bitten, wash the area with soap and water and apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
- Play with fireworks safely.
Fireworks are extremely dangerous for children to handle. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commision’s 2019 annual report, children younger than 15 years old accounted for 36% of firework-related injuries.
- Never allow young children to play with fireworks
- Keep a close eye on kids around fireworks. Children are curious and may not understand the dangers of fireworks.
- Make sure kids stay away from lit fireworks and never try to pick up or play with fireworks that have been used.
- Only use fireworks outdoors. Fireworks can start fires, so it’s important to use them in a clear area away from buildings, trees, and dry grass.
- If you set off fireworks, have a water source nearby. A hose or bucket of water should be close by in case of any fires.
- Have fun and be safe at the same time!
If you have any questions about summer safety, or if you need assistance with a personal injury claim, contact the experienced attorneys at Friedman Law Offices today. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us toll-free at 800-876-1093 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.