Smart Safety Solutions

Safety Tips

As this is being written, it's the end of June 2005. In fact, the 4th of July is upon us. Follow these safety tips that cover a wide variety of summer activities to keep your family safe this summer.

Playground Safety Tips

Did you know one child is injured every 2 1/2 minutes at a playground? While it's true that "kids will be kids" and doing tricks jumping off the monkey bars and other things like that are likely out of your control, there are safety tips you can follow to minimize any risk of injury from other things at the playground:

Make sure there's adult supervision - Chances are in this day and age, if your child is at the playground, you'll be close by. But on the rare occasion that you aren't, make sure someone (preferably an adult that you know and trust) is nearby.
Try to get children to play on age appropriate equipment - Equipment that's designed for children ages 5-12 is too big for children ages 2-5, so if children are playing on the wrong equipment, it puts them at risk for injury. Some of the equipment for older children is too high off the ground, so if a younger child is playing and falls, the injury could be far worse.
Make sure there's appropriate cushioning beneath the equipment - Surprisingly, grass doesn't provide enough cushioning to protect a child from a fall. There should be at least 11-12 inches of loose fill like shredded tires, mulch, sand or pea gravel for equipment that goes up to 8 feet high. Make sure the cushioning material is underneath the equipment instead of pushed to the sides so that if a child does fall, he or she is protected.
Make sure there are no safety hazards - The play area should be free from broken glass, metal pieces and sharp edges. In addition, make sure that there's a fence if the playground is near a busy road so children don't run out in to traffic.
Make sure the equipment is in good condition - Steps, handrails, chains on swings and any other supporting devices should be solid. In addition, make sure there are barriers around high places like the tops of ladders.

Beach and Water Safety

If you're heading to the beach or the pool, here are some safety tips to take along with you:

Only swim in supervised areas - This is especially important if you are with children or family members who don't swim well.
Obey all rules and signs - These are there for your safety and protection, not to take away from your fun.
Pay attention to the weather - Stay out of the water during a storm, particularly if there's a lot of lightening and high waves.
Don't mix alcohol and swimming - Alcohol impairs your judgement, your balance and coordination, and your swimming skills.
Wear sunscreen - Obviously, this is to avoid a sunburn. Reapply after sweating or swimming
Drink plenty of water - Hydration is important, especially on a hot day. But don't drink pool or ocean water--bottled or tap is a wiser choice.

Here are some additional tips if you plan to go boating:

Take a portable radio - This will help you stay informed of shifts in the weather
Let someone on shore know your plans - Make sure someone on shore knows where you're going and who's with you. That way, if there is an unforseen emergency, they'll know where to look for you and who to look for.
Wear a lifejacket - ....or at least have one for each person on board. Also, make sure there are life preservers.
Make sure the boat and its equipment is in good working condition - This will keep you from getting stranded somewhere. If you are taking a motor boat, make sure you have oars as a backup.
Make sure you have extra gear you might need - A flashlight, extra batteries, an air horn, matches, a map of where you are, flares, sunscreen, a first aid kit, extra sunglasses and hats. Keep all of this in a dry bag or a watertight container that floats.

Camping Safety Tips

Don't get lost in the woods! Stay safe when camping by following these safety tips:

Use bug spray - Spray the campsite with a deep-woods type of bug spray, and use a bug spray on your skin and on children that's specifically made for skin.
If you go hiking, take plenty of water - If you should happen to get lost for a long time, or if it's particularly hot, or if your hike is strenuous, you'll need to keep yourself hydrated.
Make sure your camping equipment is in good condition - Make sure equipment like compasses and tents are working in case you get lost or encounter bad weather. (You don't want your tent to blow away.)
Don't hike alone - Don't go off into the woods alone, and don't let anyone in your party hike alone. If you think you'll get lost, make sure you have a compass, and leave trail markers to help find your way back. (Just make sure to pick them up on the way back.) Also, take some kind of emergency signaling device.
Don't leave food out - This is particularly true if you'll be in an area that's had bears.

Hopefully all these safety tips will help you have a safe and happy summer.