Safe Summer Fun Flyer
Summer Vacation Safety Tips
A
driving vacation can be a lot of fun for families who play together,
but don't leave safety and common sense behind. Before you hit the
road this summer, get some information you need to ensure a safe,
relaxing vacation.
Road
safety
-
Have your car
serviced before any long trip. Switch to a motor oil with higher
viscosity, if you will be towing a trailer or boat, or driving
in the desert.
-
Pack an
emergency kit that includes water, jumper cables, flares, a
flashlight, equipment to change a tire, and a first-aid kit.
-
Make sure your
child safety seats are installed properly.
-
Require all
occupants to buckle up, with children under 12 in the back seat.
-
Take frequent
breaks (at least every two hours) and avoid driving when tired.
-
Avoid driving
in the "no zone" around trucks. If you can't see the truck
driver in the truck's mirror, the truck driver can't see you.
Touring your destination
-
Use a sunshade
to help keep the car cool when parked.
-
Cover seat
belts and child safety seats with a towel or blanket while the
car is parked to keep them from becoming hot to the touch.
-
Be sure to
pack your bike helmets if you plan to bicycle.
-
Review safe
pedestrian practices with children.
Plan a place to meet in case your family gets separated.
Sun and Surf: Have Fun and Stay Safe
Swimming is a great way for families to have fun, cool off, and get
some exercise. But swimming, particularly outdoors, carries the risk
of drowning and sunburn. Remember, too, that there is no such thing
as a safe tan. By observing some basic safety tips, your family can
have a great summer in the outdoors and in the water.
Pool
safety
-
Children,
especially small children, should always be supervised when they
are playing in or near any pool.
-
Make sure your
pool is inaccessible to children. Fences should be at least four
feet high and have a gate that locks.
-
Store pool
toys and other play items out of sight so as not to attract
children to the pool area.
-
Ensure your
child learns to swim.
-
Never allow
running or active play in the pool area where slips can occur.
-
Keep glass
objects away from the pool area.
Beach
safety
-
Natural bodies
of water can be unpredictable; therefore always supervise
children at the beach, even if they are good swimmers.
-
Use only
beaches that have lifeguards on duty.
-
To prevent
head and spinal cord injuries, teach children never to dive into
unfamiliar water.
Sun
safety
-
Keep infants,
who have very delicate skin, covered and out of the sun as much
as possible.
-
Burns happen
on sunny and cloudy days. Ensure your children wear sunscreen
with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and/or light
clothing that covers all of their skin. Products with a
combination of PABA/benzophenone are the most effective.
-
Use waterproof
sunscreens and reapply after your child has been in the water
for some time or when excessive sweating occurs.
Excerpt from the
June 5, 2007 issue of The PTA Parent
Sign up for The PTA Parent
