Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but with it comes a need to keep CHILD SAFETY in mind. Here are some essential tips for ensuring summer safety:
Water Safety
Supervision: Always supervise children when they are in or near water, whether it's a pool, lake, or ocean.
Swimming Skills: If possible, enroll children in swimming lessons to ensure they know how to swim. In Paterson, NJ, there are several options for free or affordable swimming lessons:
Life Jackets: Use life jackets for children, especially when boating or in open water.
Pool Fences: Install a fence around your pool with a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent unsupervised access.
Sun Safety
Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Protective Clothing: Dress children in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
Shade: Encourage children to play in shaded areas, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Heat Safety
Hydration: Ensure children drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Rest Breaks: Encourage frequent breaks in the shade or indoors to prevent overheating.
Recognize Heat Illness: Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and confusion.
Bug Safety
Insect Repellent: Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to protect against mosquitoes and ticks.
Tick Checks: Perform regular tick checks after children have been in wooded or grassy areas.
Avoid Peak Hours: Try to avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Playground Safety
Supervision: Always supervise children on playgrounds.
Safe Equipment: Ensure playground equipment is in good condition and age-appropriate.
Surface Material: Playgrounds should have soft surfaces like mulch, sand, or rubber to cushion falls.
Travel Safety
Car Seats: Use appropriate car seats or booster seats based on your child's age, weight, and height.
Seat Belts: Ensure all passengers are buckled up every time.
Rest Stops: Take regular breaks on long road trips to avoid fatigue.
Hot Cars: When temperatures are warm outdoors, they will be even hotter inside of a closed car. Never leave a child unattended in a car, even for a few minutes. The heat is deadly and children are at a greater risk for heat stroke. Make sure car doors and the trunk are locked when the car is parked in the driveway or garage so that the child is not tempted to play in the car.
General Safety
First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit handy at home, in the car, and in your beach or picnic bag.
Emergency Plan: Teach children how to dial 911 and know basic emergency information.
Stranger Safety: Remind children about stranger danger and ensure they know to stay close to trusted adults.
Bike Safety
Proper Bike Size: Ensure the bike is the right size for your child. They should be able to touch the ground with their feet when sitting on the saddle.
Helmet: Always wear a helmet that fits properly and meets safety standards. The helmet should sit level on the head, covering the forehead, and the strap should be snug.
Reflectors and Lights: Equip the bike with reflectors on the front, rear, pedals, and wheels.
Bike Maintenance: Regularly check the brakes, tires, chain, and gears. Ensure the bike is in good working condition.
Basic Riding Skills: Teach children basic riding skills, including starting, stopping, turning, and signaling.
Supervised Riding: Supervise young children while they are riding, especially in busy areas or near traffic.
No Distractions: Encourage children to stay focused on riding and avoid using headphones or mobile devices while biking.
FSCS wishes you a joyful and safe summer!
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