Summer is almost here and I don’t know about you, but I tend to be a little more lax when the weather turns warmer! I found this great list of safety tips for parents and kids, but I’m not going to bore you with the ones like “make sure your child wears a helmet”…that’s just a given now isn’t it?
One of the ones that really stood out to me was the Lawnmower safety. Not sure about you, but my children, in addition to wanting to try and drive my car, are really hot and heavy to mow the lawn with the ride-on. Now me, I’d like nothing more than to put them to work. My husband, on the other hand, is an absolute nut when it comes to how his lawn looks. He wants the lawn to be the best in the neighborhood – town – state – world! (Evil laugh inserted here). He is not ready for them to touch his precious grass – and it’s probably for the best. Each year you hear a horror story or 2 about someone being injured or worse by a lawnmower.
So without further ado, I present the pared-down list of Summer safety tips (as edited for real parents who already make their kids wear helmets)
INSECT SAFETY
– Avoid stagnant water or areas where insects congregate.
– When removing stingers, back them out carefully by scraping backward.
– Use insect repellent with DEET in areas where there are ticks.
– Avoid using products that combine insect repellent and sunscreen.
– Do not use insect repellent with DEET on babies under the age of two months.
– Make sure children wash off insect repellent upon returning indoors.
– Read the labels carefully of any insect repellent purchased.
– Parents who do not want to use DEET products can look for repellent with picardin.
FIREWORKS SAFETY
– Sparklers and fireworks commonly considered safe can reach high temperatures.
– Fireworks can cause burns that disfigure children for the rest of their lives.
– Families should attend public fireworks displays instead of using home products.
PLAYGROUND SAFETY
– Equipment should be well maintained.
– Do not allow children to attach ropes to play equipment.
– Ensure kids cannot reach any parts that will trap or pinch body parts.
– Children should not wear jewelry or anything around their necks.
– Do not let children play barefoot on the playground.
– Parents should not purchase trampolines due to the injury risks. (this is also a homeowners insurance issue too…check with your insurance agent on this!)
– Parent should always supervise kids on playground equipment.
BICYCLE SAFETY
– Do not encourage kids to ride two-wheeled bicycles until they are ready.
– Until the child’s coordination is good, stick with foot brakes for bicycles.
– Since over-sized bicycles are dangerous, pick one that is exactly the right size.
– When shopping for a bike, take the child along so he or she can try it out.
— Helmets should cover the forehead and sit level on the child’s head.
– Fasten the helmet tight enough that two fingers fit between the chin and strap.
ATV SAFETY
– If children are too young for a driving license, they should not operate an ATV.
– Avoid double riding on an ATV with children.
– Any children riding an ATV should wear eye protection, a helmet and sturdy shoes.
– ATV riders should take safety courses before riding.
– Dress children in reflective clothing when riding an ATV.
– Helmets are especially important, so choose ones that are designed for motorcycles.
– Avoid driving an ATV on paved roads or anywhere at night.
– Parents should not drive ATVs while drinking or taking some prescriptions.
LAWNMOWER SAFETY
– Use mowers with control stops for the blade if the handle is released.
– Make sure kids wear sturdy shoes around mowers.
– Do not let children younger than 16 use riding mowers.
– Children under the age of 12 should not use push mowers.
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