Summer Safety Checklist

It's summertime! For most children, this means more outdoor activities. For parents, this means being extra vigilant to keep your children protected and healthy. Here are some tips to keep them safe this summer.

Summertime Food Safety
Food borne illnesses and food poisoning increase in the summer months. Make sure food is properly packed and chilled for picnics. Cook meat thoroughly at barbecues. Don't let food stay out in the heat.

Prevent Tick Bites
Wear light-coloured clothing and tuck pants into socks or boots. Stay on clear trails and do not walk through tall grass. Check clothes and scalp for ticks after leaving areas prone to ticks.

Ride safe
Make sure kids always wear a helmet and stay on cycling paths. Stay away from traffic areas. Supervise your kids at all times.

Swim Safe
Children under five have the highest risk of drowning. Make sure they wear a lifejacket. Never leave a child alone in or around water. Make sure your kids learn how to swim and teach them about water safety.

Play Safe
Most children are hurt on playgrounds when they fall. Use playgrounds with a deep, soft surface and keep children under five on equipment that is no more than 1.5 metres high. Supervise your kids at all times.

Prevent sunburn
Most children will be exposed to 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it's important to teach your children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. Make sure they wear a sunscreen and wear UV protective clothing (swimwear, hats, t-shirts, etc.)

Eye Safety
This summer, don't forget sunglasses to protect your children's eyes. The same harmful rays that damage skin can damage their eyes.

Fireworks Safety
Children should not play with fireworks under any circumstances. Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and other flammable materials. Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off. Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away. Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

For more summer safety tips, visit: www.safekidscanada.ca or call 1-888-SAFE-TIPS (723-3847).