In summer we all tend to kick back and relax the rules a bit. It’s a great time of year, but to keep it safe there are still a few rules worth keeping:
- Always watch children when they’re in or near water. Pool Safely, a campaign launched by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to reduce childhood drownings, recommends designating an adult Water Watcher to supervise children in the water, even where there’s also a lifeguard. Watching should be their only task – they shouldn’t be reading, texting or playing games on their phone.
- When swimming outside, get everyone out of the water if you hear thunder or see lightning.
- Looking for a game to keep young children occupied? Help Mikey Make It Out is a fun, interactive game that teaches life-saving home escape lessons. They can also read the storybook Mikey Makes a Mess online, in English or Spanish.
- Leave fireworks to the pros, even where they’re legal. Here’s why.
- While your fireplace isn’t getting used, call to schedule an annual chimney cleaning.
- As cooking moves outside, enforce a “3-Foot Rule” just as you do for the stove. Keep children and pets at least three feet from the fire.
- Summer is peak season for wildfires. Check the predicted risk for the area where you live (or plan to visit) here, and always stay tuned to local weather and news.
- Find more tips about safe use of campfires, outdoor grills and firepits at flickitsafely.com.
- Summer fun activities can get chaotic. To prevent falls, make sure you wipe up spills promptly, and remind everyone to pick up clutter, which can be a tripping hazard–especially toys. Get more fall prevention tips.
- Wear a bike helmet, and make sure you and your children know the rules of the road.
Find more tips on our Safety Resources page.