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It's a Jungle Out There—Preparing Your Backyard For Summer Play
by Lori Marques
Part
2
It is shocking that 13
million children under age 14 are injured
every year seriously enough to require
hospital treatment, says Ron Bistolfo,
Director of Education at the American Red
Cross Bay Area Chapter in San Francisco,
California. Backyard injuries are a
contributor to that whopping number. In
this follow-up piece we look at several
other hazards lurking in our backyards.
Planning and common sense can go a long
way in preventing injury to your child.
Here's how you can help:
Putting Pedal to the
Metal
Bike related accidents
account for a whopping 383,500 emergency
room visits every year. Always have your
child's protective gear on when riding
bikes, on roller blades, roller skates or
any riding equipment. Gear includes a
properly fitting helmet, elbow pads, knee
and wrist pads. Long pants are a good idea
too. Once again adult supervision is a
must.
Barbecue
Basics
When using a barbecue,
establish a line around it which your
children cannot cross. They move faster
than you expect and can be badly burned.
Be sure there is adult supervision at all
times and the adult in charge is keeping a
close eye on the barbecue. Keep all
accessories stored in the garage such as
lighter fluid, charcoal and special
utensils.
Preventing Sunburn
and Dehydration
"Skin cancer is a small
trauma that adds up, usually beginning in
childhood", warns Bistolfo. Limit sun time
during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when
the sun's rays are strongest. People often
forget that children can get a sunburn
even on cloudy days. Put on those cute
hats and sunglasses when outside to
protect faces and eyes. Using sunscreen
every day is a great precaution and is
part of a good routine. Apply it 30
minutes before going outside. When little
ones are playing in the sand box or in the
sprinklers remember water and sand reflect
the sun's rays increasing the chance of
sunburn. Be sure to dress your children in
light colored clothes. They don't absorb
heat and will keep them cooler. Serve up
the water often. Remember kids get too
busy playing to ask for a drink. Having
them sip a beverage regularly will help
prevent dehydration.
Watch the
Water
A recent drowning death
of a 3 year old in Walnut Creek,
California while reaching for toys at the
bottom of a 32 gallon garbage can is a sad
reminder that parents and caregivers need
to be relentless regarding monitoring
backyard dangers including toys, buckets
or anything that can collect water. Don't
think that it has to be a lot of water
either,this little one drowned in four
inches of water. Be sure to turn over
anything that could pose a drowning hazard
so that water can't collect in it. An
infant can drown in less than an inch of
water.
Safety is an ongoing process. As parents and caregivers we are constantly challenged to stay ahead of our children's developmental abilities. Following these tips will surely help your child's Summer memories be about playing in the yard, not crying in the emergency room. Remember, safety first!
Link to next article
Lori Marques and
Lisa Carter are moms and authors of
Paranoid Sisters and Child Safety Made Easy (Screamin Mimi Publications,
$6.95). Learn more safety tips by visiting
their website.
E-mail: smimipub@pacbell.net.
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