This is a printer friendly version of an article from www.thedailytimes.com
To print this article open the file menu and choose Print.
Article published Jun 28, 2009 Safety first makes summer fun, not tragic
School is out for summer, and Blount County kids are enjoying the extra freedom vacation brings. Safety can't take a vacation, though, and parents need to remain vigilant even in the lazy days of summer.
"The period between May and August is the most dangerous time of year for children," says Carole Chambers, director of safety at Blount Memorial Hospital. Accidents from drownings, falls, bike accidents, as well as pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents spike in the summer months. Chambers points out that most children are not sitting at their desks in the more-protective school environment. Also, older children may have more unsupervised time while parents are at work, she says.
"Don't be afraid to talk to your kids about safety, especially when it comes to water safety," Chambers says. Drowning causes 1,750,000 deaths per year worldwide in children and teens, with another 2 to 3 million water-related accidents occurring annually. Chambers urges parents to protect their kids by removing water hazards like buckets and large containers and guarding open water with fencing. "Require personal flotation devices any time a child is near open water," Chambers adds. "Supervising your kids is the best way to ensure safety," she says. Adult intervention in a medical emergency also is important. Chambers suggests becoming trained in first aid and CPR, in addition to ensuring adult caregivers of your child have this training.
The right safety gear plays an important role in protecting your kids, but Chambers cautions that it is not a replacement for adult supervision. Use of safety gear is credited with a 35 percent decline in accidental deaths in children. "Today's safety gear is lighter, less bulky, and comes in patterns and colors most kids and teens enjoy," says Chambers. Helmets are a must for biking, skateboarding and horseback riding. Personal floatation devices should be worn by both children and adults around water and when riding in watercraft. Chambers suggests talking with your children about the importance of following posted safety rules and the use of safety equipment. With the Fourth of July approaching, parents need to be especially vigilant. "Thousands of kids go to hospital emergency rooms with injuries from fireworks each year," says Chambers. Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Chambers emphasizes this is an adult task. "It is important to read all warnings and directions and be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks," she says. It also is a good idea to make sure there are not dry leaves or flammable materials in the area. Never relight fireworks that have not fully functioned, she says, and always have a water source available for extinguishing an accidental fire.
By making certain your home is a safe environment for children and youth, you can ensure a great summer for your family. "Summertime fun can be safe fun," Chambers adds. Provide the necessary safety gear, and insist that it always be used. Talk to children about the importance of safety, and make sure they are always properly supervised.
For more information on keeping your children safe this summer and beyond, visit www.safekids.org and www.cpsc.gov.
The Women's Health column is provided by the staff and associates of Blount Memorial Hospital. It appears every Sunday in Women's Times. For more information on this column call 983-7211.