Pools, campfires most common sources of summer accidents
for most, however, statistics show that improper supervision around water can lead to drownings. Nearly 400 children under the age of 14 die each year from drownings, 75 percent of which happen in residential pools, according to the Residential Pool Safety Policy, a policy from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Few would argue that fire pits and fireworks play a big role in the appeal of summer, but they also create a ripe environment for accidents.
“I think the biggest thing is what people are doing before they even start the fire,” Dr. Stone said. “This includes using flammable liquids before starting a fire, placing fires too close to flammable objects and not taking steps to properly supervise a fire.”
Accidents are plentiful during the summer months, but fear that they could happen should never keep someone from enjoying the season. Dr. Stone said the following guidelines can ensure summer safety:
Determine your distance.
Keep a healthy distance between you and the flames when enjoying a fire pit. Adults should monitor children around a fire and help them when using the fire to roast food such as marshmallows. Distance plays a vital part in reducing the risk for drownings. Dr. Stone said parents should always be within reach of the children they are supervising in a pool. Guardians should have the ability to reach out and rescue at any continued on
The oooh’s and aah’s of fireworks can quickly turn to ouches, if proper precautions aren’t followed.
Dayton Children’s sees several fireworks injuries every year. More than half of all injuries from fireworks happen to kids younger than 18, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Approximately a third of all injuries come from sparklers and almost two-thirds are burns.
Sparklers can burn at up to 2,000 degrees. That’s the same temperature as a blowtorch – it can melt many metals. While sparklers have typically been thought of as acceptable for kids, they really aren’t child’s play. In addition, children’s arms aren’t as long as an adult’s, which brings the sparks closer to their body and their clothing.
“Don’t ever let kids play with fireworks, period,” says Lisa Schwing, RN, trauma program manager at Dayton Children’s Hospital. “They’re intended for use by adults in open spaces.”
The best way to keep your family safe is to enjoy the holiday by attending a public showing where fireworks are set off by professionals.
So what are parents to do to entertain kids during Fourth of July festivities at home? There are a variety of other items that can be just as fun as fireworks, without the danger. Anything that lights up or glows in the dark can be enough to entertain kids for hours as dark falls over the back yard. There are plenty of options for daylight, too, as well as games that replicate the bang and boom of fireworks. Some specific ideas include: 1. Glow sticks, bracelets and necklaces
2. Flashlights, especially miniature ones or colored lights
3. Glow paint for the body or fabric 4. Chasing fireflies 5. Confetti-filled balloons 6. Red and blue bubbles – you can even make your own with dish soap and food coloring 7. Silly String 8. Straw Rockets If adults do choose to use fireworks at home, remember to take a few precautions first. “Children should watch from a safe distance with plenty of adult supervision to make sure they don’t get too close,” says Schwing. “Teach your children how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Also teach them what to do if their clothing catches on fire: ‘stop, drop and roll.’”
Buy only legal fireworks that have a manufacturer’s label and directions. Wear protective eyewear and have a bucket of water or a hose nearby — for quick extinguishing, if necessary. Light fireworks one at a time and away from other people and flammable objects, like dry grass or torch oil.