Summer Safety Tips to Protect The Kids You Love

Summer is coming so it is time to prepare. The Emergency Room Visits for injuries peaks in the summer months. Almost a third of all Emergency Room visits for children 0 to 17 years of age are due to unintentional injuries (1). It is also the leading cause of death in Children 1 to 17 years old (2). A lot of these injuries can be prevented:

Summer Safety Tip Sheet

Pool Safety

• Install a secure fence that is at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool.
• Ensure that there are no openings or weakened area of the fence so that a child can not climb over, under or through it.
• Make sure that all of the gates to the pool fence swing outwards and self close with self-latching locks that are above the potential reach of a child.
• Keep rescue equipment (i.e., life preserver, shepherd's hook), a portable or cellular phone, and a first aid kit near the pool.
• Learn CPR (www. RedCross.org)
• Whenever an infant or toddler is in the pool, an adult should always less than arms length away.
• Do not use inflatable floating devices ("wings") as they may give a false sense of security to the child and supervising adult.
• Never leave children in or around a pool unsupervised.

Bicycle, Skateboard, or Rollerblade Safety

• Children should always wear properly fitting protective gear (helmet, elbow and knee pads) even if it is for just a short ride. Most accidents occur near or around the home - including driveways.
• Ensure that the helmet fits properly. It should be level - not tipping forward or back. Once the strap is securely fastened, you shouldn't be able to move the helmet.
• Make sure that the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
• When biking together with your child, always wear your safety equipment at all times as this may encourage your child to do the same.
• Explain to your children that even if they are exceptional at riding their bike and have never fallen that there is still a concern regarding other bikers and drivers on the road that may injure them inadvertently.
• Buy a bike that fits your child properly. Take your child with you to purchase the bike so that they can try it out in the store. (www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm#choosing)

Sun Exposure

• Use sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming or water sports even if it is "waterproof"
• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (11am - 3pm)
• Wear a large brim hat and sunglasses with UV protection
• For infants avoiding sun exposure and wearing lightweight clothing with long sleeves and long pants and a hat are best as the use of sunscreen is not recommended for children under 6 months of age

Bug Safety

• Avoid areas where bugs may congregate (i.e., stagnant water, fresh flowers)
• Avoid being outside during the time near dusk when some bugs (mosquitos) tend to be out in full force
• Avoid the use of scented soaps, lotions or laundry detergents
• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing
• Bug repellants containing DEET are most effective; however, children under 2 months of age should not be exposed to DEET
• Use bug repellants where the content of DEET is less than or equal to 30
• If a bee is nearby, do your best to remain calm and remove yourself and your child from the area. Do not agitate the bee by swatting at it.
• If your child is allergic to beestings, keep an emergency epinephrne shot of the appropriate dose nearby when going outdoors. (Ask your Pediatrician for a prescription for this.)

For more information on DEET go to: www.aapnews.org/cgi/content/full/e200399v1

These tips are intended to be helpful but not all-inclusive. Please talk with your Pediatrician for more information.

Have a Happy, Safe Summer!

Maia Alees Gaither, MD, FAAP
BlackWomensHealth.com
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(1) Health Data for All Ages, CDC
(2) National Vital Statistics System, National Center for Health Statistics, CDC