Summer is a pleasant season for children, but it’s also the time of year they are likely to end up in the emergency room having an accident. They play out more often than other times annually and have increased exposure to sunlight, insects, and contaminated food and water. They spend more time riding bikes and skateboards, swimming in garden pools or lakes, sitting around campfires and garden barbecues, light fireworks and enjoying near lawnmowers. Additionally, outdoor toys can accumulate bacteria and become chipped or damaged.
With the slew of current toy recalls and also the higher chance of injury during the summer months, it’s important to be vigilant about safety and to review your security measures.
Sun Exposure
For infants, under 6 months it’s necessary to prevent sun exposure. Make sure you dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and wide-brimmed hats - cover the arms, legs, and neck. Apply a small amount of sunscreen to any exposed skin such as the face, hands, and back of the throat. When an infant becomes sunburned, use cold compresses.
For children, make sure you apply sunscreen to any exposed skin 30 minutes before they go outside. Dress them in cotton clothing and have them wear hats with a brim and sunglasses. Attempt to restrict their exposure to sunlight, especially during the peak hours between 10 4 and% p.m. make certain to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
Heat Exhaustion
Once the humidity and warmth are highest, it’s ideal to limit extreme activities to 15 minutes or not. You can gradually increase action time over a two-week period as kids acclimate to the summertime. Have your children drink cold water or non-carbonated drinks every 20 minutes, even if they’re not thirsty. Dress them in lightweight, light-colored clothing and alter sweaty or wet clothes.
Pool Safety
When you have a swimming pool, you should install a gated fence four feet high around the area to prevent young children from falling into the water. Never leave kids playing at the pool and make sure you keep rescue equipment, such as a shepherd’s hook and life vests, in an accessible site. Have a phone nearby in case of emergencies.
Insect Safety
Don’t wash your kids with scented shampoos or soaps. Vibrant clothing and flower patterns or flowery scents can attract insects. Do not allow your kids to play near stagnant bodies of water, flowerbeds or meals gardens. Have them wear insect repellent to protect against ticks and mosquitoes when enjoying near woods or fields. Never allow children to play in any agricultural region that may have pesticides that are used. Insect repellents containing DEET are not recommended for young kids. Do not use repellents containing over 30 percent DEET on any child. Organic sprays are available on the current market, and natural repellents can be made by soaking peppermint or garlic. Growing herbs like thyme, rosemary, lavender, fennel, and marjoram can help protect your garden from mosquitoes.
Playground Safety
All of the playgrounds must have loose-fill materials like sand, woodchips or bark maintained to a thickness of 9 inches. Equipment shouldn’t have subjected S-hooks or protruding bolts. All swings should be made of soft materials such as rubber, soft plastic or canvas. Never attach kids to lines, ropes or leashes that could strangle your child. Children on playground equipment ought to be supervised at all times.
Bicycle Safety
Stick with coaster brakes and training wheels before your kid is experienced enough to manage hand brakes and two wheels. Shop for bicycles along with your child so that he can test out a bike ahead, making sure it is the ideal size and a comfortable fit. Oversized bikes are especially dangerous to inexperienced riders. Make sure your child wears a bike helmet at all times. Driveways and sidewalks close to the house are just as harmful as roadways and bicycle paths. Lead by example and always wear a helmet and also use appropriate bike safety when riding along with your own children.
Skateboard and In-Line Skate Safety
Children shouldn’t ride skateboards or use skates around traffic or roadways. Make sure children wear protective equipment, pads, and a helmet in any way times.
Lawnmower Safety
Always use a mower that has a safety handle that stops the engine when the handle is let go. Kids under 12 years shouldn’t use lawn equipment. Ensure anybody working with a lawn mower wears protective hearing equipment and eye protection. Clear the lawn of any stones, stones or toys before any mowing begins. Always wear sturdy shoes, never sandals. Be sure the blades come to a complete stop and engine is switched off prior to estimating the machine.
Toy Safety
New federal security rules and measures had been passed in 2007 following a rash of toy recalls. In April of 2010, however, the Consumer Product Safety Commission granted many toy manufacturers the right to perform their own in-house testing of merchandise. The senior director of product safety in the Consumers Union, Don Mays, questioned the decision, stating, “There’s the possibility of a conflict of interest… it’s a bit like the fox guarding the henhouse.”
There’s currently the higher possibility of toys being recalled after they’ve already reached the marketplace. Prior to buying a toy, make certain to read the labels and warnings on the package. Examine the toy and be certain that there are no parts that can be swallowed or cause choking. Be confident that toys don’t have any sharp edges or points that can cut or puncture the skin. Do not buy young kids any toys using power or possess mixable liquids or chemicals.
If among your kid’s toys is remembered, you ought to take it out of him or her instantly. If you’ve got a concern that the toys may have been contaminated with lead, you should take your kid to the doctor for a checkup and have their blood analyzed. If the blood test shows high lead levels, be sure to take photographs of the toy, including any bite marks, and contact a personal injury lawyer. www.heizomat.ca/
