Summer means bursting through the door and squeezing every drop of fun out of summer's long, gorgeous days. But heading outdoors brings its own set of hazards. There's the sun, for one. Sure, it's necessary for that glowing tan, but it can also overheat you to the point of hospitalization. And the playground can be an endless source of fun, but swing sets and jungle gyms can be sneaky sources of danger. By using common sense and remembering these easy tips, you can be on your way to safe summer fun.
After a long winter, sunny days provide the perfect chance to get out and enjoy the warm weather. But too much sun can put a serious damper on summer adventures. At the least, excess sun can lead to a painful sunburn. At the worst, it can lead to heat exhaustion and a trip to the hospital.
For starters, slather the sunscreen on yourself and your children—and make sure it has a SPF rating of 15 or higher. Break out the wide-brimmed hats to keep everyone in the shade. Keep plenty of water close by, and make sure everyone stays hydrated.
Lastly, keep your eyes on your family and use common sense. Remember that children don't sweat like adults do, so they don't have the same built-in ability to keep themselves cool. If your child exhibits any heat exhaustion warning signs—lethargy, irritability, or a very flushed face—head for a cool place immediately.
Playgrounds are great places for kids to play and adults to chat. But they're not hazard-free environments. Each year, more than 14,000 children 14 and younger require trips to the emergency room from playground-related injuries. This is not too surprising—think about touching a slide that's scalding hot from a day's worth of sunshine. Ouch!
Whether it's a playground in your backyard or the park down the street, playground equipment requires parental oversight. Almost half of playground injuries are serious, including fractures, concussions, and amputations. Make sure a playground's ropes and chains are safe, and check for a soft surface beneath the equipment. More than 60 percent of playground injuries come from falls, so you might want to head elsewhere if your local playground is located on hard concrete.
According to the Red Cross, about 25 percent of Americans have been in situations where someone needed CPR. Learn CPR and you may be able to jump in and provide assistance if someone in your family needs help. The Red Cross offers online courses, products for home use, and local classes. Search online to find out if one is being offered near you or for information on learning CPR yourself at home.
Swimming pools can be great places to cool off from the summer heat, but they also bring dangers for young swimmers and experienced adults alike. Our How Safe Is Your Swimming Pool? article will help you keep everything safe poolside. And for tips on other summer fun, check out our Coverage for Your Summer Activities article—it features.
Whatever you do this summer, you'll want to be sure you've got the right coverage. Our Which Policy Covers Your Favorite Summer Activity? article answers those "which policy covers what?" questions. Our How to Make Summer Activities Safer article can help you keep your family secure while you're out enjoying the season.
It's easy to make sure your family is protected with coverage that lasts all year long. Just take a few minutes to get an easy no-obligation quote, call us at 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828), or find an agent near you to see how Allstate can help.