Brush Up On Summer Safety Tips

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in warm weather. Credit: D Sharon Pruitt

We hope you’re enjoying your Memorial Day holiday. But just in case you’re inside reading this, we wanted to help you brush up on your summer safety IQ as we kick off the unofficial start to summer today. Avoid hot-weather hazards with these tips from pediatrician Dr. Sears (and catch more on Wednesday’s episode of The Doctors!).

Summer Safety Tips

Sparklers. They may be a festive touch to a night-time gathering, but these handheld fireworks should be left to adults or professionals. Did you know that the tips of sparklers can reach temperatures of 1,800 degrees? They can cause a third-degree burn in just 30 seconds.

Bug repellant. To protect against bites from mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET are most effective. They have been tested and approved as safe for kids, but be sure to choose a repellent with no more than 30 percent concentration of DEET. Use a lower concentration if kids will be outside only for an hour or two, and do not apply more than once a day. Or make your own natural bug spray using one of the following: citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, castor oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass oil, cedar oil or peppermint oil.

Playground equipment. Taking the kids to the local playground is a great way to get their hearts pumping without breaking the bank, but on a sunny day, the equipment can heat up to 160 degrees in the sun. Test out the slides and jungle gyms with the back of your hand before letting the little ones play.

Dehydration. Children give off more heat, but sweat less than adults. They also don’t have the same thirst mechanism that adults do, meaning that dehydration is definitely a concern for active youngsters. Make sure your kids drink plenty of water and snack on foods with high water content like celery, watermelon and popsicles. Severe dehydration can become a medical emergency if left untreated and can cause low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever and even delirium or unconsciousness. How do you know if your child is dehydrated? Look for these tell-tale signs:

o   Warning Signs – dry mouth, infrequent urination

o   Major indicators – parched lips, fatigue, “tenting”—pinch skin on forearm; in dehydrated individuals, skin doesn’t snap back right away

Water can also be a huge hazard the summer months, so brush up on what drowning looks like. Here’s to the safest and best summer you can have! —Erin