Keep summertime safe, fun

We are the Canastota Teachers’ Association - the caring, dedicated professionals committed to supporting our students and the Canastota community.

With summer here, take steps to keep yourself and your family safe. Remember these important safety tips:

Ticks: It is important to know that ticks don’t fly or jump. They will crawl usually from your feet. They prefer to be near the host’s head or ears. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that you remove the tick as soon as possible. One method is using fine-tipped tweezers to grab even the smallest ticks right down next to the skin. The next step is to simply pull the tick straight out like a splinter. Don’t worry if the mouthpart stays in your skin as long as you’ve got the rest of the tick by its head. It is important to consult your doctor. They will want to know when the bite occurred and where you were when you were bitten.

Mosquitoes: These insects also carry dangerous diseases, so prevention from being bitten will be your safety net. Remove breeding grounds for mosquitoes; this would be anywhere that there is standing water. Wear longsleeve shirts, long pants, and socks when outside near mosquito habitats. Spray any uncovered areas with insect repellent, but not on a child’s hands. When using on children, apply to your own hands and then put it on the child. After returning indoors, wash your child’s treated skin and clothes with soap and water, or bathe. Reapply as needed, but do not allow young children to spray it themselves.

Water Safety: Always have adult supervision in or around water. Look for notices advertising local swimming lessons; they are reasonably priced and knowing how to swim is a lifelong skill that could save your child’s life. Always have a floatation device near water for that unexpected emergency. A responsible adult should know CPR. Local Red Cross facilities would be a contact for a program of this nature.

Heat and Sun Exposure: Wear sunscreen (a minimum of 15 SPF) and protective clothing - loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers your skin and protects against ultraviolet (UV) rays. Also, avoid being outside during peak sun hours (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and during extreme heat. In addition, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the delicate skin on your face and head. Plan your activities during the morning and evening when the sun is not as extreme. As always, don’t leave your children or pet in a parked, overheated car. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and seek medical attention immediately if you or your child show symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

Reading: Keep your child reading over the summer! Research has shown that without that important practice, children can lose as much as two months of the progress they had made while in school. Make going to the public library a fun, weekly event. Be sure to let your child see you reading as well.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure a safe and happy summer!