Memorial Day weekend is a time for celebration. Many families will be going away on vacation, taking full advantage of the three-day weekend. Others will stay at home and barbeque, inviting friends and family over to partake in grilled goodies. And others may take this time to open up their pool for the summer.
No matter what your plans are this Memorial Day, one thing should be on the top of your list – safety. Did you know that Memorial Day is one of the most dangerous holidays for children? It’s true. According to “Pediatrics,” the American Academy of Pediatrics journal, Memorial Day ranks second, next to Labor Day, as the holiday with the most reported child related injuries.
So how can you keep your children safe this Memorial Day? This article from eHow.com provides a few simple guidelines you should follow.
Water Safety:
With Memorial day unofficially marking the beginning of summer, it is inevitable that many families will take this opportunity to open their pool for the summer. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 200 or more children younger than 15 drown in pool- or spa-related accidents between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays. So it is vital to supervise your child at all times when around the pool.
Vehicle Safety:
If you and your loved ones are the adventurous types, make sure to practice proper safety this Memorial Day. One fun weekend activity is riding ATV’s, but although these vehicles are a blast to drive, they are, like any vehicle, still very dangerous if proper safety precautions are not adhered to. The U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission has determined that ATV-related deaths increase in the summer months. In 2009, over the four days marking the Memorial Day weekend holiday, the CSPC noted 27 ATV-related fatalities.
The Importance of Adult Supervision:
The key to keeping your children safe is to supervise their activities. You do not have to be looking over their shoulder every second of the day, but knowing where your children are and checking on them from time to time can go a long way. Of course for more dangerous activities, like swimming and ATVing, adult supervision should be provided at all times.
A Few More Miscellaneous Tips:
- Apply sunscreen frequently to avoid sunburns.
- Children should be instructed to drink water often to reduce the chance of dehydration.
- Bug sprays will help keep children bite free.
- Keep children away from grills in operation.
- Supervise groups of kids playing sports or games to ensure activities and behavior remain safe.
A safe Memorial Day is a fun Memorial Day. If you have any questions, contact Hercules Fence by calling (800) TU FENCE or click here today!
