Summer Safety Tips: Keep the Kids Safe

Summer is here, and we know you want to get outdoors with the kids. Whether swimming, riding a bike, taking an evening stroll, or simply letting in the Florida breeze, it is time to enjoy while keeping summer safety at the forefront.

The following simple steps will keep your loved ones safe now and in the future:

Pool Safety

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.

Playground Safety

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.
• Before allowing children to play, double-check that the play equipment is maintained and not broken.

Window Falls

Each year, an average of 7 children die and 3,000 suffer injuries from window falls.

• Use window guards to keep kids from falling out of open windows.
• Add window stops. These stops prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches.
• Children love to climb to get to an open window, so move anything they can climb on away from windows.
• If there is an accident, call 911 as soon as possible.

Lawnmower Safety

Did you know that hospital emergency rooms treat around 35,000 people each year for injuries associated with walk-behind power mowers and riding lawnmowers? Here are some things to consider:

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

Helmet Safety

More than 337,738 injuries associated with bicycles in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2022.

• 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 with 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 can seek financial compensation from the at-fault party. Call us today at 352-666-2121 or contact us online.