Summer safety tips serve as a great reminder for parents as the school year comes to a close. By now the kids are itching to get out of school and summer days are already in full swing. Through all the excitement, it’s important to take a step back and review the top summer safety tips. This will not only ensure your young ones are safe, it’ll give you the peace of mind that you are doing everything you can as a parent to make sure of that!
At Seymour EMS, we value our community and its members. That’s why we’ve set aside some time to draw up a list of the best summer safety tips for parents. We want to make sure your young ones are safe and are doing what they should be doing this summer-having fun! So, let’s take a quick look at the most important summer safety tips so you can get back to your fun summer activities.
10 Summer Safety Tips
The lazy days of summer are here! Grab your summer gear and make sure you are properly prepared for an amazing summer with the entire family. But make sure you avoid unnecessary mishaps by following these top summer safety tips below!
1. Provide the Right Sun Protection for Your Child.
The best sun protection is avoiding the sun altogether. While this might seem a bit harsh, especially when you want your kids to enjoy the great outdoors, avoiding the sun between 10 am and 3 pm can be helpful. If you are outside in the height of the sun’s heat, try to find a shaded area. Equip your children with hats, sunglasses, and SPF protected clothing. For babies who are 6 months or older, be sure to apply sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15. Look for a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection. Remember, even on cloudy days, the suns rays can still be harmful. So, lather the kids up even when it’s cloudy. Reapply as necessary. Even waterproof sunscreen loses its effectiveness, so be sure to keep your young ones safe from the sun at all times.
2. Keep Children Cool
Heat exhaustion is a major concern in the summer months. Another important summer safety tip is to be sure you keep your children cool as the temperatures rise. Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion. These include:
- Fatigue
- Extreme thirst
- Muscle cramping
In some cases, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lack of sweat
Remember, heatstroke can be fatal, especially in children. Infants, in particular, are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. If you notice signs of heat illness in your children, spray them with cold water, fan them, place them in the shade, apply ice packs to the groin and armpits, and seek medical attention.
3. Be Cautious Near Water
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children. Children under the age of four should not be enrolled in formal swimming lessons that teach water survival skills, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If your child is near water, they should be supervised at all times. Take a CPR course so you can be prepared in the event of a near-drowning incident.
4. Protect Your Children from Burns
Your child will probably be home a lot more with school being out. That’s why one of our most important summer safety tips is to protect them from accidental burns. Do not leave small children unattended around hot appliances. Keep them away from the grill and stove while you are cooking. Fireworks are also a huge problem for children when it comes to serious burns. Learn the signs of serious burns and be sure to seek medical attention if your child is having issues!
5. Beware of Poisonous Plants
Poisonous plants can be a huge summer spoiler! Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can leave your little one facing an uncomfortable and itchy challenge if they come in contact with the plants. If your child comes into contact with one of these plants, you can avoid a rash by washing away the oil within 10 minutes. If you don’t catch that window of time, use topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine to help deal with the rash. To find out more about identifying these plants and their differences, head over to this informational article. You should contact your pediatrician immediately if the rash spread rapidly or comes in contact with the eyes.
6. Beware of Bees
Bee stings can be a serious problem, especially if your child is allergic. Avoid fragrances and floral-patterned clothing during the summer and fall months as bees are more attracted to these things. If a bee does land on your child, remain calm and gently blow it away. This will help you avoid aggravating the bee and possibly prevent a sting.
7. More About Bug Bites
Mosquitoes and other bugs are also around a lot more in the summer months. Bypass bug bites by covering your child with lightweight clothing. Use mosquito netting over strollers and infant seats for younger children. Check your child regularly for ticks when they come in from the outdoors. Bug repellants are a great resource for parents. Talk to your doctor about the best options for your children. These products should not be used on children younger than 3 years of age.
8. Avoid Ear Infections
Swimmer’s ear is a common problem many children face when spending a good amount of time in the water during the summer months. Swimmer’s ear is an ear infection of the outer ear canal caused by germs produced by excess moisture. Be sure to dry the outside of your child’s ear after water play. Since pain is the earliest symptom, talk to older children about letting you know as soon as they experience any ear pain. This can avoid progression that includes drainage and extreme tenderness of the ear. If your child is prone to ear infections, you may want to limit pool time. Your pediatrician can prescribe antibiotics for these problems.
9. Prevent Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is common in the summer months. Since many people are grilling and spending a great deal of time outdoors, food can become spoiled or contaminated easier. Be sure all raw fruits and vegetables are cleaned thoroughly before serving. Keep your cold food at a temperature of fewer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrigerate all uneaten food after one hour or dispose of it if refrigeration is not possible. If you experience signs of food poisoning like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, contact your medical provider.
10. Keep a Well-Stocked First-Aid Kit Handy
At the start of every summer season, you should double-check your first-aid kit and be sure it is properly stocked. We can’t prevent every accident from happening but we can be as prepared as possible if one does occur. For more information on how to stock your first-aid kit the right way, head over to our first-aid checklist.
Summer should be fun! And we don’t want to kill your enthusiasm by talking about all these potential dangers. But, if you are prepared with great summer safety tips, you are more likely to prevent injuries and emergencies and enjoy a summer to remember!
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