Summer is quickly approaching, meaning it’s time for outdoor family fun! These tips can help ensure your family stays safe while getting outside this summer:
COVID-19
from HealthyChildren.org
- Teach and reinforce everyday preventive actions like hand washing and good hygiene
- Try these outdoor activities that practice good physical distancing during COVID-19.
- Find more information about supporting children during the COVID-19 outbreak on CDC’s Helping Children Cope page and thread’s Family Resource Center page.
Water Safety
from the American Red Cross
- Always supervise young children during water play. Drowning is one of the leading causes of “injury death” in children ages 1 to 4.
- Take a CPR class. The skills you learn might save a child’s life.
- Always wear a properly fitting life jacket while boating, and wait until baby is big enough to fit in a life jacket before taking her on her first
boat ride. Check out Alaska’s Kids Don’t Float program to learn about life
jacket loaner boards. - Teach children not to swallow water while swimming in pools, rivers, lakes, or oceans to prevent water-borne illnesses.
Heat & Sun Safety
from KidsHealth.org
- Never leave a child unattended in a car. The temperature in a car can raise to a life-threatening level in a matter of minutes.
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to children 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or when children get wet.
- Avoid scheduling outdoor activities when the sun is the strongest, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Ensure children have access to plenty of drinking water and shade.
- Seek immediate medical attention if your child has signs of heat-related illness.
Injury Prevention
from the CDC
- Check that playgrounds have soft material under them such as wood chips, sand, or mulch.
- Read playground signs and use playground equipment that is right for your child’s age.
- Look out for things in the play area that can trip your child, like tree stumps or rocks.
- Always wear a helmet while biking, skating, etc. to prevent serious brain injury.
- Learn the signs of a concussion and what to do if a concussion occurs.