MetroFamily Magazine May June 2024

2024 Summer

Safety Guide

Essential tips for OKC families to safeguard summer fun

A s summer approaches, metro families are gearing up for a season of adventure and relaxation. As you’re planning family fun like embarking on a road trip, enjoying the outdoors or lounging by the pool, safety should remain at the forefront of your mind. These essential tips will help safeguard your loved ones this summer and throughout the year. “With conscious effort, useful information and vigilance by parents and caregivers, our children’s summers can be filled with joy and memory- making rather than tragedy,” said Elizabeth Koldoff, director of injury prevention at Safe Kids Oklahoma.

with a car heating up by 19 degrees in just 10 minutes, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. The heatstroke that can ensue is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. The National Safety Council reported 29 child hot car deaths in the United States in 2023. On average, 38 children under age 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. Safe Kids Worldwide recommends parents place their purse, briefcase or phone near their child as a visual reminder to check the back seat before exiting the vehicle. Hello, sunshine! While the warm summer sun feels great, it’s crucial to protect babies and kids from harmful ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of the sun completely. Find a shady spot and use a stroller awning, hat, sun-protective clothing and even sunglasses. For toddlers and young children, make sunscreen application fun and involve them in the process. For kids and teens, regular reapplication of sunscreen is essential, along with wearing sun-protective clothing and hats. The thrill of riding Summer is peak season for biking and hitting the trails on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). The number one safety tip for both activities is to always wear a properly fitted helmet. The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) reported 32 fatalities and 62 serious

Hitting the road Wherever your family ventures this summer, the most important thing is to buckle up! In 2021, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) reported 259 deaths of unrestrained individuals in motor vehicle crashes. Adults can lead by example by always wearing their seat belts. Ensure children’s car and booster seats are properly installed, which can prevent injuries in the event of an accident. Safe Kids Oklahoma offers frequent free car seat checks in the OKC metro (with events posted to Safe Kids Oklahoma’s Facebook account) and provides a free online car seat safety guide, accessible via bethanychildrens.org. Whether you’re on a road trip or running errands, never leave children alone in the car. Summer temperatures can rise rapidly,