As temperatures warm up here in Arizona, things become a lot more dangerous for children. The heat can make regular, everyday situations life threatening. From heat exhaustion to sunburns to drowning, kids are at a higher risk than adults. Here are some general guidelines for keeping your little ones safe during the summer months.
Did you know that the temperature inside a parked car can be up to 50 degrees hotter than the outside temperature? Even in the shade, that number can be as high as 20 degrees. And cracked windows don’t do much good. Every year children die after being left in a hot car. Don’t let your child be one of them. Don’t leave them in the car. Don’t leave your dog in there either.
If your kids will be out in the sun, make sure that they are getting enough water to drink and that they have plenty of sunscreen on. According to www.skincancer.org, “Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours. Sunscreens should also be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal.” Don’t forget to reapply.
We will all be spending more time in the pool this time of year. The statistics associated with drowning are scary. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says, “Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 14 years, and the fifth leading cause for people of all ages. Learn how to reduce your risk.” Additionally, “19% of drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present,” says the Drowning Prevention Foundation. If you would like more information on CPR Classes in your area, please contact the Mesa Fire Department at: (480) 644-2200. Don’t leave a child unattended near water.
Being a parent takes constant care and watching. Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and drowning are accidents no one intends to have happen. We just get distracted and don’t remember to be careful. So this summer, stay on your toes. Don’t leave your kids in the car. Don’t forget to reapply. And don’t leave a child unattended near water. Just remember to be careful.
