|
| |
| |
To download
a printable version of this page, click
here. |
| |
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS - PART 2
FIREWORKS SAFETY
Source:
http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/safety.cfm
 |
Fireworks can result in severe
burns, scars and disfigurement that can last a lifetime. |
|
Fireworks that are often
thought to be safe, i.e. sparklers, can reach temperatures above 1000
degrees F, and can burn users and bystanders. |
|
The AAP recommends prohibiting
public sale of all fireworks, including those by mail or Internet, and
encourages parents to attend professional fireworks displays instead of
using fireworks at home. |
BOATING SAFETY
Source:
http://www.aap.org/family/tippslip.htm
|
Children should wear life
jackets at all times when on boats or near bodies of water. |
|
Make sure the life jacket is
the right size for your child. The jacket should not be loose. It should
always be worn as instructed with all straps belted. |
|
Blow-up water wings, toys,
rafts and air mattresses should never be used as life jackets or life
preservers. |
|
Adults should wear life jackets
for their own protection, and to set a good example.
|
OPEN WATER SWIMMING
|
Even good swimmers need
buddies. Make sure your child knows never to swim alone. |
|
A lifeguard or another adult
(preferably one who knows about water rescue) needs to be watching
children at all times. |
|
Make sure your child knows
never to dive into water except when permitted by an adult who knows the
depth of the water and who has checked for underwater objects. |
|
Never let your child swim in
canals or any fast-moving water. |
|
Ocean swimming should be
allowed only when a lifeguard is on duty. |
|
Younger children should be
closely supervised while in the water - use "touch supervision," keeping
no more than an arm's length away. |
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES
Source:
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;105/6/1352
|
Off-road vehicles are
particularly dangerous for children younger than 16 years who may have
immature judgment and motor skills. Children who are not licensed to drive
a car should not be allowed to operate off-road vehicles. |
|
Injuries frequently occur to
passengers; therefore riding double should not be permitted. |
|
All riders should wear helmets,
eye protection and protective reflective clothing. Appropriate helmets are
those designed for motorcycle (not bicycle) use, and should include safety
visors/face shields for eye protection. |
|
Parents should never permit the
street use of off-road vehicles, and nighttime riding should not be
allowed. |
|
Flags, reflectors and lights
should be used to make vehicles more visible. |
|
Drivers of recreational
vehicles should not drive after drinking alcohol. Parents should set an
example for their children in this regard. |
|
Young drivers should be
discouraged from on-road riding of any 2-wheeled motorized cycle, even
when they are able to be licensed to do so, because they are inherently
more dangerous than passenger cars. |
American Academy of Pediatrics,
June 2005
|
|
