The start of the school year is an exciting time for parents and children. However, back-to-school shopping for school clothes and supplies can be very costly and stressful for any family. Check out our tips and learn how to keep costs and stress levels down.
Summer Safety Tips
Author:
one tough job
We would like all families to have fun and celebrate safely this summer. Please see our list of tips to help everyone enjoy the season safely.
fireworks/fire safety
- On average, 280 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2019). Set a good example for your children and do not purchase or display illegal fireworks. Enjoy professional firework displays put on by local fire departments and towns.
- Remind older children that personal fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts because they are dangerous. Injuries from fireworks include 2nd and 3rd degree burns that require emergency medical attention, weeks of rehabilitation and plastic surgery or permanent scarring. Explain that personal fireworks have killed people and that is why they are illegal in Massachusetts.
- Firework displays can be loud and scare children, particularly small children. Talk to youngsters about what will happen – bright colors in the dark sky, loud booms and lots of people cheering. Consider bringing sound-blocking headphones for youngsters. Have a plan if one child gets too scared, starts crying and has to go home.
- Pay special attention to small children when they are around grills and fire pits. Create an adults only-zone around grills and keep children at least 2 feet away from open fires.
swimming
- An adult should be present at all times when your child is swimming. Ideally take your children to swimming pools, lakes, and beaches that are lifeguard supervised.
- Never leave your child unsupervised while they are near any bodies of water. Children and inexperienced swimmers should never be more than an arm away from the nearest adult who is comfortable in the water.
- Consider purchasing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest for children who are inexperienced swimmers.
skin care/sun protection
- Make sure your child is dressed appropriately (cool clothes for hot days, hat for sunny days, sweatshirt for cool nights) and has on good footwear to walk in parades, watch parades, visit fairs and carnivals, and walk through town to events.
- Find the right form of sunscreen and bug repellent for your child. In order to properly protect your child's skin, try a few different forms of sunscreens or bug repellents to find out which one is the most comfortable for them, and easiest to apply for you! Both sunscreen and bug repellents come in lotions, sprays, sticks and wipes.
- Use sunscreen and bug spray to protect your children and yourself from the sun and insects. Make sure that sunscreen and bug spray are formulated for infants and children
prevent dehydration/exhaustion
- Know the signs of dehydration: thirst, fatigue, irritability, dry mouth and feeling hot. Children have more body surface area per pound of weight than adults. This makes children more prone to heat illness. Your child will become dehydrated faster than you will.
- Make sure children drink plenty of liquids – water, sports drinks (no caffeine) that will keep them hydrated.
- If you have toddlers and small children, make sure they get their naps in and eat well to lessen the struggles of being in crowds, staying up late and taking in all the activities.
car safety
- Never leave a child unattended in or around cars. As you load and unload the car with coolers, chairs, umbrellas and other items, make sure children are near you and holding hands. Do not move your car until you are sure where each child is and no one is behind or in front of the car.
- Be a patient driver. Watch out for children crossing the street, near playgrounds, and beaches.
- When walking in crowds, make sure children hold hands and everyone is accounted for and staying together. Do not let them run ahead in the street, even if it is full of pedestrians. It is still a street, leading to other streets, and cars may be driving on it.
