Keeping Your Family Safe: Essential Tips for Fun & Play
Safety & Awareness | March 4, 2024
By Kathi Hegranes, FOCUS Program Coordinator, Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah
Every day brings new adventures for our families, whether it’s exploring the backyard, trying out a new sport, or enjoying a delicious meal. While we strive for fun and enjoyment, it’s important to remember that accidents can happen. The good news is, many potential hazards can be mitigated with just a few simple precautions. Here are some key safety tips to keep your family safe while they explore and have fun:
Poison Safety
National Poison Prevention Week is March 17-23
Store away harmful substances
Keep medications, cleaning products, pesticides, and other hazardous materials locked up and out of reach of children. Consider using child-resistant cabinets and latches. Did you know? In 2021, poisoning was the leading cause of unintentional injury death in children under 6 in the United States, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
Identify potential household dangers
Learn about common poisonous plants, household items, and even some foods that can be harmful to children. Poison centers receive over 2 million calls each year about unintentional poisonings in children, highlighting the importance of awareness.
Know the emergency number
Have the Poison Control Center number (1-800-222-1222) readily available and programmed into your phone. Quick access to help can be crucial in an emergency.
Teach your children
Educate your children about the dangers of poisons and emphasize that they should never take anything without asking you first. Open communication and education are key to keeping children safe.
Sports Safety
April is Youth Sports Safety Month
Proper Equipment
Ensure your child has the right equipment for their sport, that it fits properly, and is in good condition. Using properly fitted equipment can reduce the risk of injuries by up to 60%, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
Warm-up and cool-down
Encourage your child to warm up before any physical activity and cool down afterwards to prevent injuries. Taking the time to prepare the body properly can significantly reduce muscle strains and other injuries.
Hydration is key
Make sure your child stays hydrated throughout any activity, especially in hot weather. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even heatstroke, so staying hydrated is crucial.
Follow the rules
Teach your child the rules of their sport and ensure they understand the importance of sportsmanship and fair play. Following the rules helps create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Know the signs of concussion
Learn about the signs and symptoms of concussions and remove your child from play if they suspect they have one. Early recognition and treatment of concussions is essential to prevent further complications.
Adult supervision
Depending on the age and the sport, provide appropriate adult supervision during practices and games. : Essenti
Remember!
These are just a few important safety tips. By taking the time to educate yourself and your children about potential hazards, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your family to thrive. For more information and resources, visit Safe Kids Wisconsin at www.safekidswi.org.
Safe Kids Fox Valley wishes you a healthy, fun spring. Like us on Facebook for current safety tips, recalls, and upcoming local activities at Safe Kids Fox Valley. Weather and other precautions may affect scheduled events. Please check Facebook for the most up-to-date-information.
