Did you know that automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for children over the age of 1? Or that each year over 400,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for bicycle riding-related injuries? Did you know that childhood sun exposure may be one of most significant contributing factors to skin cancer later on in life? Or that drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4 in California?
Summertime is a fun season for children, but it can also be a dangerous time of year. The good news is that parents who take the proper precautions can significantly decrease the likelihood that their child will be injured.
Automobile Safety
When traveling with young passengers, make sure that any children under the age of 14 are buckled in the backseat. Booster seats are recommended for all children under 4' tall and under 100 pounds. Make sure that all car seats are properly installed. Most local police stations and fire stations offer free installation instructions.
Bicycle Safety
Along with youth automobile safety, parents should also concern themselves with their children's bike riding habits. In order to reduce to risk of serious injury, parents should encourage helmet use. Some experts estimate that wearing a bike helmet may reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 88%. Other studies reveal that parents who wear bike helmets have children who wear bike helmets, as parents serve as safety role models for their children.
Other bike safety precautions to consider: ensuring proper tire inflation, installing bicycle lights for night-riding, walking bicycles across streets within crosswalks, and utilizing bike trails and sidewalks rather than riding in the street.
Sun Safety
Experts believe that prolonged and unprotected sun exposure as a child can significantly increase one's chances of developing skin cancer later in life. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be applied and re-applied during outside activities. Waterproof sunscreen should be utilized during water activities and should also be re-applied. Parents should also consider encouraging their children to wear hats in order to protect their faces from sun exposure. Also, avoid the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays between 11 am and 3 pm.
Water Safety
Parents should consider enrolling children in swim lessons. Knowing how to swim is the primary way of preventing of water accidents. Parents should also discourage children from ever swimming alone or without adult supervision. Young children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear personal floatation devices. Pay attention to weather conditions- get out of the water at the first sign of bad weather. Parents should also caution children against excess strenuous activity, excess sun exposure, and excess fatigue.
In order to decrease the likelihood of serious injuries during the summer season, parents should teach their children the importance of automobile, bicycle, sun and water safety.
Education and knowledge is the first step in protecting yourself and your kids on Halloween night. Sit down and talk to your kids about the dangers they can encounter while out on the street. Be honest and don't sugar coat things.
One very important thing with children is to make them understand the do's and don'ts. Let them know what they are and why it is so importantthat they follow these rules.
Also as a homeowner you can be a part of keeping our children safe. Please do so. Our children is the most precious gifts we have and anything that can keep them safe is greatly appreciated by all parents out there.
In order to try and help you out a little I will include a few helpful tips forparents, kids and homeowners so that we all can stay as safe as possible.
For the kids:
Always carry a flashlight. ever walk alone. Walk on sidewalks, not in the road. Wear reflective clothing/tape on clothes. Do not talk to strangers who approach you on the road. Only go to houses that are lit up. Never enter a house, always stay outside. Wear shoes that fit (if you have to run) Do not eat candy that has been opened. Be home on time.
For the parents.
Young children should be accompanied by an adult. Make sure your kid eat before going out. Let them have a cell phone or money so they can call you or you them. Know exactly the route they are taking. Know who they are going with Let them know the rules. Give them a certain time for when they have to be home.
For the homeowner.
Keep your porch light on if you want ?trick or treaters? Rid your yard for objects that can hurt or trip kids. Put your dogs away. Be careful where you put candles so costumes don't catch on fire. Do not invite children into your home. Help keep an eye out for the children that are in your neighbor hood.
Following these few safety tips can help us all feel a little better and safer as our children wander out into the scary, dark Halloween night.
Both Charlotte Buelow & Hege Crowton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Charlotte Buelow has sinced written about articles on various topics from Culture and Society, Personal Desktop and Entertainment Guide. Charlotte Beulow is a contributing writer for Access My Library. AccessMyLibrary.com is a service of Thomson Gale. Best known for its accurate and authoritative reference content as well as its intelligent organization of full-text magazine and newspaper. Charlotte Buelow's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
Hege Crowton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Coffee Advantages and Travel Insurance. Hege Crowton is establishing herself as an expert copywriter.She is known for doing in-depth research before writing her articles.Many of her articles are posted on