by Janet B. Brooks
Child Advocacy Manager
One of the best things about summer is that kids are out of school and home more often, however, this can also mean that there is more potential for injuries. Here are some ideas for keeping your kids safe in the house and yard this summer.
Play Equipment
When allowing children to play in the yard, be sure that any play equipment you have is properly maintained and that you have safe surfacing under it. Softer surfaces such as sand, wood chips or shredded rubber create a softer landing than concrete or even grass, in the event of a fall. Also, be sure children are dressed appropriately by avoiding clothing with drawstrings or other things that could get caught and lead to strangulation. Trampolines, though fun for kids, can be dangerous. Thousands of people are injured by trampolines each year and most injuries happen from simply landing the wrong way while jumping. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that trampolines never be used at home or on playgrounds. Even those with netting or padding are not enough to keep kids safe, so it’s best to just avoid them altogether.
Yard Work
Helping in the yard is another typical summer activity. Make sure that your children are the appropriate age to be assisting with the tasks they are assigned. Be aware which plants you have in your yard that may be poisonous if eaten. Among preschoolers, plants are a leading cause of poisoning, so teach your children never to pick or eat anything from a plant without your permission. Be careful with pesticides or herbicides on your lawn and garden. Read the instructions carefully and don’t allow children to play on treated lawn for at least forty-eight hours. Don’t use a power lawn mower or weed trimmer while young children are around. They may throw sticks or stones with enough force to injure them. Never have your child on a riding mower even when you are driving. It is safest to keep young children indoors while the lawn is being mowed.
Water Safety
Nothing says summer like water, but drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between ages 1-4. Never leave children unattended around water and be aware of hazards in your home and yard. Empty water from tubs, buckets, containers, and wading pools immediately after use and store them upside down. Make sure you keep toilet seats closed and use toilet locks to avoid children gaining access and falling in. Keep doors to bathroom and laundry room doors closed.
In the House
To keep children safe indoors be sure that your home is a hazard-free environment. Keep appliance cords out of children’s reach and cover electrical outlets so that children are unable to insert anything into them. Remember that open windows can be a danger to children. Screens are not designed to prevent falls, so be sure to properly install window guards on windows that children can reach and remove furniture from near windows so children can’t climb up to look out. Don’t let kids play on high porches, decks, stairs, or balconies. If it’s unavoidable, make sure they are supervised by an adult. Prevent TV and furniture tip overs by securing unstable or top heavy items to the wall using mounts, brackets, braces, anchors, or walls straps. It can also be helpful to avoid placing items like remote controls, food, toys in places where kids might be tempted to climb up or reach for them.
Summer should be a time to enjoy and following these guidelines will help ensure that your kids have a safe and fun summer at home.
