May 11, 2010

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1) Three Words: Supervise, Supervise, Supervise

When school is in session, children have adult supervision almost constantly; this isn't always the case in summer. Whether it is a trip to the playground or a family picnic, be on the look out for potential dangers. Children are less likely to practice risky behavior like jumping off a swing at its highest point if you are standing right there. "Good supervision is the best injury prevention," says Donna Bucciarelli, trauma prevention coordinator at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak and program manager of Safety City, U.S.A., a community-based injury prevention and safety education center.

2) Be Especially Vigilant Around Water

Is a great way to beat the heat. But make sure your child is safe. "Sign your child up for swimming lessons, make sure pool and spa areas are secured with fences and alarms, and never leave your child unattended," says
Edward Walton, M.D., director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Beaumont Children's Hospital in Royal Oak. "Drowning is the fourth leading cause of accidental death in children, which is a tragedy since it is highly preventable."

3) Create a "No Zone"

To prevent burns, use a jump rope or chalk to delineate a safe zone around a grill or campfire. Explain to children that they should not enter the zone.

4) Choose the Right Shoes for the Right Activities

Flip flops are great for walking on a beach, but not so great for playing basketball. And nothing says "no fun" like a summer cast. To prevent injuries, make sure your child is wearing the appropriate footwear for the activity.

5) Keep Food Safe

Spare your kids a wicked case of food poisoning by avoiding mayonnaise or cream-based foods and ensuring there is plenty of ice to keep cold foods cold. For the meats, look for juices to run clear before serving them to children.

6) Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

"Most parents would never dream of handing their child a lit match but don't think twice about handing a sparkler to a three year old," says Dr. Walton. He recommends bypassing the backyard display in favor of community-sponsored fireworks where professionals stage the show over a homemade display in the backyard. Visit michiganfireworks.com for a list of shows through November.

7) Be Mindful of Safety When Mowing

A perfectly manicured lawn is a great thing - but your child's safety should be first. Always be aware of where young children are when mowing the lawn; accidents have occurred from flying debris as well as from parents accidentally running their children over. Never let a child ride on a riding lawn mower.

8) Make Safety Gear a Necessity, Not an Option

It's a fact: helmets save lives. If your child kicks up a fuss over wearing a helmet while wheeling around, be prepared to play the tough. Donna suggests showing your child a photo of an professional bicyclist wearing a helmet and telling them that even the best in the field have accidents and want to protect their noggins. "We can fix a bone if you break it, but we can't fix your brain or your spine if you injure them," she says. "And those injuries last a lifetime."

9) Avoid the Burn

If it's the last day of school, it's usually the first day of the year that Dr. Walton will see blistering sunburns in the Emergency Center. That's because most parents are out of practice with coating their children with sunblock. At least 30 minutes before heading outdoors, coat your child in a lotion with a sun protection factor of 30 to 45; reapply if the child swims or sweats. Keep babies under 6 months of age out of the sun or use lotion on their face and hands only to prevent overheating them.

10) Be Aware of the Weather

Unpredictable storms are as much a part of summer in Michigan as the Detroit Tigers. Teach your child what to do and where to go in the event of a severe storm.