Seasonal Safety Tips From St. Anthony Community Hospital
Emergency Services


Summertime means that most children are out of school and families are spending more time out of doors.  Along with the hours of sun and fun, summertime also brings with it an opportunity for minor and serious injuries.  Here are a few safety tips from St. Anthony Community Hospital Emergency Services that will help keep your summer a safe one.

• Never leave children unattended in or near water.  Use U.S. Coastguard approved life vests; also know as personal floatation devices (PDFs) on boats, docks and around deep or swift water.
• Protect children from excessive exposure to sun especially during peak hours – 10 AM to 4 PM. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor SPF of 15 or higher.
• Supervise children whenever they use play equipment.
  •Inspect the playground before play to be sure equipment is appropriate for their age.
• Make sure children always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboarding or rollerblading.
• Keep children away from areas where any lawn mowers are being used and never allow children to ride on mowers.
• Minimize risk of bee and insect stings by having children wear shoes and light-colored clothing.  Use insect repellent sparingly on older children but never on infants.
• Keep children from playing near barbecues and always have water present when fire is involved.
• Know your plants in your yard and teach your child not to pick or eat anything without first checking with an adult.
• Be sure children are strapped in a properly fitting seat belt, car seat or booster seat when traveling by car or plane.
• BE SAFE AND HAVE A FUN SUMMER!!!!!