Stratton's Summer Safety Page


Ah, SUMMERTIME! Months filled with more hours outdoors,
lots of great exercise and health benefits, opportunities to create special memories . . . and increased risks for children that unfortunately go hand-in-hand with the best of the season. These must be taken seriously, but as long as we are aware of the risks and follow proactive measures, we can keep summertime a safe time for the children in our care.

Below you will see highly recommended links that can help educate you and your family when it comes to summer time fun.

PLAY SAFE, PLAY SMART & ENJOY THE SUMMER!
     

Summer Time Safety Links

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers summer safety tips on many topics (swimming, sun, heat stress, bugs, bikes, scooters, boats, lawn mowers, fireworks and more). Each topic links to a more detailed discussion. www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/summertips.htm

This compelling article from The National Safe Kids Campaign spells out in detail the dangers when children are left alone in hot cars. Overheating can cause death within even very short periods of time.
www.safekids.org


A few SAFETY TIPS to remember this summer:

• Best ways to stay safe this summer is to wear a helmet and other safety gear when biking, skating, skateboarding and horses.

• A bicycle helmet should have a snug but comfortable fit on the rider's head

• Children should always be instructed to wear a bicycle helmet level on the forehead not tilted back.

• When children are riding scooters wear a standard bike helmet plus knee and elbow pads.

•  Before riding a scooter make sure both handle bars and the steering column are securely locked in place before riding.

• Skate on smooth paved surfaces with out any traffic and avoid skating at night

•  When skating learn to stop safety

•  Prevent injuries while using a trampoline, allow only one person on at a time, and do not allow somersaults.

•  Children under six years old should not use full-size trampolines.

•  Always supervise children who use a trampoline

•  Trampoline enclosures can help prevent injuries from falls off trampolines.

•  Children should never be in the yard while you're mowing, and they should never ride on the mower.

•  Be alert and turn off the mower if children enter the mowing area.

•  Make sure your home playground is safe.  Concrete, asphalt or packed dirt surfaces are too hard. Use at least 9 inches of wood chips or mulch.

•  Never attach or allow children to attach jump ropers, clotheslines, pet leashes to home playground  equipment; children can strangle on these.

•  In a home playground area, make sure platforms and ramps have guardrails to prevent falls.

•  Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a phone is by the poolside w/ emergency numbers posted.


LET'S HAVE FUN IN THE SUN!

• If you are sensitive to sunburns avoid being in the sun from 10 AM to 2 PM when the sun is at its peak.

• Consume LOTS of water to stay hydrated.

• Cool down in air conditioned rooms or near fans.

• Wear light colored, natural fiber clothing to help your body to repel heat absorption and cool easier.

• Pace yourself during strenuous activities.