Keep your family safe this summer! Warm weather and tons of time to play is enticing, but heat, exploration, and pool time comes with its hazards. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends these safety tips for having a safe and enjoyable summer.
Firework Safety
Use caution around fireworks. Even “safe” ones (like sparklers and other non-aerial fireworks) can burn above 1000 degrees. Only adults who can move away quickly and set up a firework safely before igniting should light the fuse. As you light multiple fireworks, be mindful of recently-lit and burnt-out ones nearby so you don’t step on them or re-ignite any of them.
Also, mind the area in which you use fireworks, crackers, and sparklers. The summer heat dries out Utah’s environment, creating a dangerous situation for fireworks. Be sure to light them a safe distance away from structures and dry grass. If you cannot light them at a safe distance, attend a community fireworks display instead.
Insect Safety
While many insects are harmless, there are those that bite and sting. And worse, some transmit diseases, such as ticks and mosquitoes. Many people go out into the woods prepared for hordes of insects, but may forget to stay safe right at home.
Avoid bright colors and flower prints while playing in areas where insects may bite or sting. Your child should also avoid scented sprays and soaps to keep from smelling like a flower or food.
Use DEET when in insect-heavy areas, such as near water or uncovered food. DEET is an effective insect repellant that comes in various concentrations: 10% for about 2 hours, and 30% for 5. Use the lowest concentration for your required protection time. Be careful with children less than 2 months old, however, and do not use DEET on them.
To prevent mosquito bites, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks in the evenings. Mosquitoes appear in force during this time of day, and short clothing will provide easy contact for them. You can also eliminate stagnant water that will form breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This might be buckets of water, bird baths, and old tires. Fish ponds also can collect mosquitoes. If you cannot drain or circulate the standing water, you may have to use other forms of mosquito prevention like bug zappers.
When walking in the woods or in long grass, wear long clothing and hats as well to prevent tick and chigger bites. If you have been bitten by a tick or chigger, refer to these tips to remove them and treat the bite safely.
Teach your child to avoid wasp nests as well. If your child has been stung, remove the stinger with your fingernail or a credit card. You can then use a paste of baking soda and water on the sting to draw out any remaining toxins.
Playground and Exercise Safety
Check equipment before allowing your children to play on it. This way, you can make sure there aren’t any sharp or rusty edges or loose handholds on poorly-maintained play equipment. The playgrounds you choose should also be full of shredded rubber, sand, or wood chips loosely-packed. Gravel and concrete can be hard on your children if they fall or stumble.
On every bike, scooter, and skateboard ride, make sure your children wear a helmet. Enforce this for any ride, no matter how short, because accidents can happen on sidewalks and in driveways too. The best way to teach your children about wearing a helmet is to set the example and wear a helmet every time you ride as well. Children should also only go as fast as they are able to maintain control, regardless of training wheels or type of vehicle. Teach them never to ride skateboards and scooters near traffic, and to use extreme caution on a bicycle near cars.
Heat Safety
If your children are playing in extreme heat and their activities will last 15 minutes or more, have them tone down the intensity of their games to prevent heat-related illness. If you can, shorten the duration of these activities as well. Also, water breaks should be given far more frequently during activities like sports practice or a competitive game. If feelings of dizziness, nausea, or lightheadedness occur, move your children to a cooler environment and instigate a water break.
Never leave your children in a hot car. No matter how quick the trip, car temperatures can escalate quickly in the heat, and children cannot handle the same temperatures as a healthy adult. Set reminders if you have a change from your routine and have children in your car when you otherwise wouldn’t, like if you drop by the office with your kids in tow. If you are concerned about your children’s behavior in a new setting, have something for them to do that will help keep them entertained and safe. Then, always keep your car locked so that other children don’t accidentally climb into your car or trunk.
Water Safety
When your children play in a pool or near water, designate an adult to watch them if you cannot do it yourself. Never leave children alone in or near water, and do not get distracted while watching. Drowning is not the loud, splashy situation it can be in the movies. Instead, it can be quick and quiet, so put the phone away. If your children are under age 5 or aren’t experienced swimmers, an adult should stay within arm’s reach of them in the water at all times. Also, discourage dunking and other rough pool play which can cause water inhalation.
In a pool, beware of suction from pool and spa drains, slippery edges, diving boards, and pool toys under which a child might become trapped. Also, while you can use swimming aids like “floaties,” they are not a real substitute for life vests and other life preservers. Keep an eye on your children while they use these aids.
If your child has recently played in water and may have swallowed some, or experienced a near-drowning, keep an eye on them. Dry drowning or secondary drowning can occur up to 24 hours after swimming. In dry drowning, water in the nose or mouth can cause the airway to spasm and close up. Secondary drowning is caused by water in the lungs, which builds up over time and causes difficulty breathing. Warning signs of either include:
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
- Sleepiness or a drop in energy
- Irritability
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from dry or secondary drowning, take them to the hospital right away.