KidSource Calendar/Summer Safety

Resources for Parents

Make sure your child knows his name, phone number, and address (this won't work for the really young ones). If possible have him memorize the work number of a parent or family friend.

Just because there's no school doesn't mean your child needs less sleep. Keeping some semblance of a schedule is important, more so for certain children than others. Know your child and what works best.

Young children die every year from being left in a car in the hot sun. Even if you think you'll only be a second, take your child with you. And don't leave the car running with the air conditioning on, as it makes it an easy target for a car theft with your child in it!

Check out the KidSource section on Safety Articles.

Sunscreen should be part of the morning getting-dressed routine. Even if your child doesn't seem to burn, sun damage can occur. And be sure to put it on yourself!

Don't forget about hats, which can protect the ears and back of the neck from sunburn, and sunglasses, which help to protect the eyes.

Give yourself and your children plenty of fluids, especially water.

An important rule of pool safety is Never Turn Your Back. Also be sure the pool area is gated. Don't rely on floaties or other flotation devices.

The article CPSC Reminds Residential Pool Owners and Parents of Precautions to Prevent Drownings of Young Children has a wealth of information.

Tips to Keep Your Beach and Lake Vacations Safe offers tips during fun family times when you're near the water.

Be sure your child takes swimming lessons. Even if you aren't inclined to hang around water for fun, consider it a safety issue. Read about Tips for Keeping Kids Safe On and In Water for more information on the importance of water safety.

A number of swimwear companies have suits with a built-in sun protection factor. Check out the Alex and Me Company as an example.

As your child gets older, consider enrolling him in one of theJunior Lifeguard Programs offered near oceans and lakes.

The City of San Diego's Lifeguard Service has beach and water safety information at their web site. Included is how to safely swim out of a rip current.

Before you head out for your summer vacation, read through the Safety Checklist for the Family Vacation.

Bring along a car seat for use on the airplane as well as in the rental car at your vacation destination.

Thunderstorms and Camping Safety provides information on how to read the changing weather while camping.

Whether you're driving a minivan or a subcompact, find space in your vehicle in which to keep extra sunscreen, a small first aid kit, water, and a few non-perishable snacks. A change of clothing, too, if there's room, and extra diapers (and tampons or pads!) for those short day trips that are so much fun they turn into all-day trips!

When you bring food on a vacation, it's important to know how to pack it to keep it safe. Read throughFood Safety While Hiking, Camping, and Boating for tips.

Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you need to get out of the habit of reading to your child. Bring along favorite books as well as new ones. And don't forget to bring a new novel for yourself!

Never send your child alone to use a public toilet.

Does your child's helmet still fit correctly? Does he know the rules of the road?

Sometimes the most child-friendly neighborhoods don't produce the most street-savvy children. Even if you live on a safe cul-de-sac, review sidewalk safety and driveway knowledge with your child. Consider that your child may be visiting a friend who lives on a busier street.

Don't forget your pooch's safety! Read through the American Kennel Club's Canine Summer Safety Guidelines.

When your child is playing outside, invite a friend or neighbor to play with him. It can be more fun (and it's safer) to have more than one child playing outside.

Turn off the TV! Say no to Nintendo! Keep 'em safe and sound by encouraging outdoor play activities.

If you own firearms, be sure to lock them away--unloaded. Lock the ammunition in a separate location and keep the keys in a safe place. Vigilance is key.

Find out about local CPR classes. Encourage a friend, and sign up together. Even if you think you know all about first aid, it never hurts to take a refresher course.