Keeping Kids Safe This Fall
Oct 03, 2016
Fall is in the air, and the change in season means special safety considerations for kids.
Days are getting shorter, which means that many kids may be walking or riding bikes home from school as the sun is starting to set. It's important they know how to be sure that they are seen during times when visibility may be a challenge.
Walking, Biking and Scooter Safety
- Always use sidewalks and cross only at corners.
- Never cross the street between parked cars, because other traffic on the road may not see you.
- Wear bright or light-colored clothing or jackets. Kids can also wear shoes or jackets with light-reflecting material.
- When outside during early mornings, evenings or even rainy days, keep a small flashlight on their bag/backpack or belt loop to make sure drivers can see them.
- ALWAYS use lights at night. Be sure bikes and scooters have headlights/taillights if they are going to be out after dark.
- Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings.
- ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter..
Playground Safety
- Pay attention to your surroundings and be careful on play sets, including monkey bars and jungle gyms.
- Be extra careful if playground equipment is wet due to rain or snow. Most injuries happen from falls due to wet conditions.
- Wear athletic shoes that have laces.
- Avoid putting your head between bars or twisted chains.
- Use the guardrails when crossing bridges and catwalks that are part of the play structure.
- Avoid equipment with sharp edges or exposed hardware.
- Don't jump from swings or tall structures or from one apparatus to another.
Sports Safety
Fall is a great time for sports like soccer and football. One of the most important precautions is protecting kids from head injury.
- Always wear properly fitted equipment, including helmets, mouth guards, knee and elbow pads, shin guards and footwear.
- Warm up before practice or games. Remember to stretch.
- Drink plenty of water throughout practice or games to stay hydrated.
- Soccer players should never "head" the ball, particularly those under than age 10.
Once colder weather sets in, children who play winter sports should dress in layers, use eye protection (sunglasses, goggles), use sunscreen (yes, even in winter!) and wear protective gear like helmets and wrist guards.
