Summer Safety Tips: Keep the Kids Safe

June 16, 2016

Summer is here, and we know you want to get outdoors with the kids. Whether it is swimming, riding a bike, taking a summer night stroll or even just opening a window to let that Florida breeze in, safety should always come first. The following simple steps will keep your loved ones safe now and in the future:

The CPSC estimates that nearly 300 children under 5 years old drown each year in swimming pools and spas.

• Teach your kids how to swim or sign them up for swimming lessons.
• If you have a pool, install a four-sided fence around it.
• Learn CPR.
• Never leave children unattended around bodies of water. Drowning accidents can happen in a matter of seconds.

Sadly, more than 200,000 children go to U.S. hospital emergency rooms each year with injuries from playground equipment.

• Do not attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines or pet leashes to play equipment.
• Make sure play equipment is maintained and is not broken before allowing children to play.

An average of 7 children die and thousands are injured in falls from windows each year.

• It is important to use window guards to keep kids from falling out of open windows.
• Window stops can prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches and should be used.
• Children love to climb to get to an open window, so move anything they can can climb on away from windows.

This might seem shocking, but 35,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for injuries associated with walk-behind power mowers and riding lawn mowers.

• Do not carry children on riding mowers.
• Only adults familiar with the instructions should operate a lawn mower.
• Always back up carefully when mowing. Always look down and behind before and while you are backing up.

There were more than 530,000 injuries associated with bicycles in US hospital emergency rooms in 2013.

• Always protect your noggin’. Wear a helmet every time you get on a bicycle.
• Your helmet should fit flat and level and chin straps should be snug, secure and form a V-shape over ears.
• Always wear a helmet that has a sticker or label that says it meets the CPSC standard.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury, our Hernando County Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you understand your rights and determine if you have a valid injury claim. During your free consultation, we can assess whether you are eligible to seek financial compensation from the at-fault party. Call us today at 352-666-2121 or contact us online.