With the kids out of school, your family may be spending more time at home this summer and that means you’ll need to prioritize summer safety for kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 19 and younger.
It’s no surprise that kids are more prone to injuries during the summertime as they explore outdoors and maybe even wonder away from a parent’s supervision. To make sure your family stays safe this summer, here are some tips to help you avoid these common at-home accidents.
Water accidents
Backyard pools have been trending since pools and beaches closed a few summers ago due to the pandemic. Regardless on the type of pool you have, water safety is essential to prevent drowning, the second-leading cause of unintentional injuries for kids ages 1-14, according to the CDC.
Parents should actively supervise their kids in the pool (even if they might know how to swim). Other things to consider is learning CPR and ensuring your pool is covered to prevent a child from slipping in.
Heat exhaustion
As it gets hotter out, kids can get sick when spending many hours outside. Keep an eye out if your child is sweating a lot or looks hot. Other signs of heat exhaustion include headaches, extreme tiredness or a rise in body temperature.
When hot, kids should cool off indoors or drink plenty of water. Parents should be cautious since heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke, according to Healthline.
Trampoline-related injuries
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages trampolines at home because it can cause serious injuries. If you do have a trampoline, some safety guidelines recommended by Mayo Clinic is to keep kids younger than 6 from jumping and to avoid risky moves like somersaults or flips.
You can also install nets and pads that surround the trampoline. As always, there should adult supervision when kids are jumping.
Sunburns
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, states the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). It’s important that families are apply sunscreen regularly and choosing products with an effective SPF. The AAD recommends a SPF of higher than 30.
Other precautions to take include wearing a hat and sunglasses. Here is a guide on picking the best sunscreen for your family.
Bike crashes
Hitting a bike trail as a family is a great way to spend a summer day, but parents should be weary of bike-related accidents. To prevent fatal injuries, everyone should wear a fitted helmet when riding. According to the CDC, helmets can reduce head injuries by 80 percent.
You should also check your bike equipment and check if kids know how to control their bicycle. If the kids are riding alone, you should review the rules of the road and explain how to bike carefully around cars and pedestrians.
Fireworks
While most fireworks are illegal in Illinois, you still might see some neighbors setting them off this summer. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were about 7,300 fireworks-related injuries in 2019.
Families should use be extra cautious when using fireworks, according to Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Make sure you light them in a spot away from trees and houses to avoid a potential fire. Don’t wear loose clothing and follow the directions of the fireworks closely. More importantly, kids should be very far away from any adult that is lighting the fireworks.
Bug bites
Families might have more plans to go camping or hiking this summer. When out in nature or even in your own backyard, you should be protected to avoid dangerous bug bites. NorthShore University HealthSystem suggests wearing appropriate clothing and not using any scented perfume or soap.
It’s very important to treat bites or pay attention if children have an allergic reaction. Wear bug spray or avoid walking barefoot on the grass.
Grilling
The National Fire Protection Association state that seven out of every 10 adults have a grill or smoker. July is also the peak month for grill fires. Keep your grill clean and placed away from the home.
Children are also at risk of grill-related burns by accidentally bumping into or touching a hot grill. Never leave a grill unattended and it’s best to keep children (and pets) at least three feet away when grilling.
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