For many families, summer means vacation, swimming, sports, sleepovers, and long days and nights outdoors. That’s why preparing for the risks associated with warm weather activities is vital to ensure your family is safe during summer fun. Here are some tips for childproofing your home this summer:
1. Pool safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 4. Always supervise children near a pool and never leave them unattended, even for a moment.
Pool protection measures should include a fence at least four feet high with self-closing gates and self-latching locks that are out of reach of children. You can also install alarms on the pool gate or the pool itself to alert you should someone enter the pool area unexpectedly. Use pool covers when the pool is not in use to prevent accidental falls into the water. While adding layers of pool security is an upfront investment, having the right equipment in place can add to your home’s eventual resale value.
Finally, enroll your children in swimming lessons and teach them the rules of water safety. Additionally, adults in the house should take an emergency preparedness class that teaches the basics of CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
2. Backyard safety
The backyard, while often the center of summer fun, can also pose risks. Create a play area with soft ground cover like rubber mulch or sand to cushion falls, and keep this space free of hazards like rocks, sticks, or garden tools. Inspect swing sets, slides, trampolines, and other toys for wear and tear, sharp edges, and loose parts. Large pieces of play equipment should be anchored to the ground.
Store lawnmowers, garden tools, fertilizers, and other garden chemicals in a locked shed or garage, out of reach from children. Fire pits and grills should be covered when not in use and kept a safe distance from play areas. Additionally, keep materials such as lighter fluids and matches out of kids’ reach.
Finally, inspect your yard for common plants that can be toxic if ingested or induce an allergic reaction if touched, such as poison ivy. Remove or fence off any plants that pose a risk.
3. Protect against sun and heat
Overexposure to summer sun can lead to dehydration, sunburn, and heat-related illnesses. Protect skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF minimum of 30, applied 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Have kids dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for UV protection.
Insist kids take frequent water breaks, even if they claim they’re not thirsty, and avoid sugary drinks which can increase the risk of dehydration. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, move them to a cool place, have them sip (not gulp) water, and seek medical attention if necessary.
4. Avoid Bites and Stings
While bug bites and stings are common during summer, some children may experience more severe reactions if allergic. It’s a good idea to keep a working epi-pen accessible for emergencies.
Apply insect repellant on kids older than two months that contains no more than 30% of DEET or picaridin. Don’t use the repellent on their hands, around their eyes or mouth, or near open cuts.
If you’re spending time in a wooded or grassy area, reduce tick risk by dressing your child in long sleeves and tucking pant cuffs into socks. Afterward, check your child’s entire body for ticks, paying particular attention to the scalp, behind the ears, and underarms.
Lastly, remove standing water from flower pots, bird baths, or low-lying areas of your property to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
5. Ensure indoor safety
During the summer months, busy households may have more kids at home as well as more indoor/outdoor foot traffic. A reliable security system with 24/7 monitoring allows parents to keep tabs on family members coming and going, which can be especially helpful when older children are home alone. Doors or windows that beep when opened unexpectedly can alert parents that younger children may have wandered outside unsupervised. Security systems can be a significant investment, but if you’ve recently purchased your home, consider using funds from a home buyer’s rebate to cover the cost of these upgrades.
Summer is also a great time to double-check that standard indoor childproofing measures are in good working order.
Confirm that window guards, especially those installed in upper-story windows, are secure and that all stairs are blocked off with safety gates. Ensure cleaning products, medications, and other hazardous materials are stored in locked cabinets and that fire and carbon monoxide detectors are up-to-date with new batteries. Inspect fire extinguishers and check that heavy or tall pieces of furniture like bookcases and dressers are secured to the walls.
Accidents are more likely to occur when caregivers are distracted. Create rules around cell phone and social media use and communicate your expectations clearly to older teens or young adults babysitting younger children during the summer months.
Creating safe environments for your family is a continual process of evaluating and updating your safety measures as needed. Safeguard your indoor and outdoor spaces, encourage good safety habits, and enjoy the summer months with your family.
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