June 7, 2005
Have Fun This Summer Without Taking a Vacation from Safety Red Cross Recommends Summer Safety Tips for Families
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Have Fun This Summer Without Taking
a Vacation from Safety
Red Cross Recommends Summer Safety Tips for Families
PITTSBURGH, PA – Summer is the time that school age children have looked forward to for months. Parents may view the time out of school with a little more concern about the break in the daily routine. Whether the kids choose swimming, baseball, riding bikes, or other outdoor activities to occupy their time this summer, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter wants to ensure that the proper safety precautions are followed.
Safety conscious parents can prepare for the summer activities with first aid kits. Kits can be bought or made, although the supplies need to be kept current. First aid kits should be kept in both your home and vehicle and items in the kits depend upon family needs. Suggestions for general kit items include:
- Blankets
- Cold pack
- Adhesive tape
- Band-Aids
- Anesthetic ointment
- Bug repellant/bug bite ointment
Swimming is an activity that many families can be prepared for prior to summer. Some suggestions are:
- Learn to swim and swim well
- Outfit everyone with the proper gear
- Keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and know how to use it
- Pack a safety bag for a day at the beach or lake. A bag complete with water-proof sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, water shoes, hat and sunglasses will help ensure a fun and safe day.
- Kids—and adults—who are not strong swimmers should wear US Coast Guard personal flotation devices whenever they are in and around water. Each person should have the appropriate flotation device for their weight. Water wings and inflatable toys are fun, but it is important to remember that they are toys and should not be relied upon for safety.
Riding bicycles is another favorite pastime for children and adults. Some bike safety tips that are helpful to remember include:
- Always wear a helmet
- Make sure children ride a bike appropriate to their size
- Wear bright colored clothing and have reflectors after dark
- Pay close attention to traffic at all times
Sunscreen should also become a daily essential for children who are outdoors for most of the day. To avoid the possibility of sun burn or sun poisoning, follow these suggested tips:
- When it is hot and humid, slow down and avoid very strenuous activities
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear light clothes
- Always apply sunscreen (and re-apply if necessary)
- Try not to remain in direct sunlight for more than a few hours at a time
Talking to children about being safe while they enjoy their fun this summer can help to make for a much more relaxing summer for everyone involved. While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is important to know what to do if a situation arises. By learning Red Cross first aid and CPR, all caregivers, including grandparents, older siblings and babysitters would have the essential lifesaving skills.
For more information on summer safety tips or first aid and CPR training schedules, contact the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter at 412-263-3100 or visit online at www.swpa.redcross.org.
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