Safe Kids Oklahoma

Summer is an exciting time for kids: school is out, pools are open, and the world is a playground! However, with increased activity during the summer season, also comes an increased risk of injury. Unintentional injury remains the number 1 killer of children in the United States, with more than 2,000 children dying each summer from injuries that could have been prevented.

The top 5 risk areas in the summer include Drowning, Bike and Wheeled Sports Injuries, Falls

Motor Vehicle-Related Injuries, and Pedestrian Injuries. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you enjoy this season with your family:

At home

If you have a pool or a spa, it should be surrounded on all four sides by a fence at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates, and it should be equipped with an anti-entrapment drain cover and safety vacuum release system. An inflatable pool needs to be surrounded by a fence, just like any other pool, and parents need to empty these pools when not in use.
Make sure your home playground is safe. Keep 12 inches safe surfacing, such as mulch, shredded rubber or fine sand, extending at least six feet in all directions around the equipment. Remove hood and neck drawstrings from your child’s clothing.

Keep children away from the grill area while preheating and cooking, and while the grill is cooling.

Remove potential poisons from your yard, including poisonous plants, pesticides and pool chemicals.
At play

Actively supervise your child when engaging in summertime activities, such as swimming and playing on playgrounds and backyards.
Use the appropriate safety gear for your child’s activities, such as a helmet for wheeled sports and sporting activities, a car seat or booster seat as appropriate, and a life jacket for open water swimming and boating.
Make sure your child drinks plenty of water. A child who seems tired or achy should rest in the shade or go inside for a while.

On the way

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open. Place something that you