Fill-in-Blank News Release
For County Health Departments

Keep the Fun in Summer by Putting Safety First

For Release: (Date)
Contact: _____, Administrator
(County) Health Department
(Phone)

A safe summer is a fun summer for everyone. The _____ County Health Department and the American Academy of Pediatrics remind you to take safety precautions when going on a trip or enjoying outdoor activities.

Your family can enjoy a fun and safe summer by following these safety tips:

Sun Safety

• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
• Keep children out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and wear clothing to stay cool.
• Babies less than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight.

Pool Safety

• Never leave children alone in the pool, even for a moment.
• Adults watching children in the pool should know CPR and be able to rescue them.
• Surround your pool with a sturdy five-foot fence with gates that self-close and self-latch at a height that children can't reach.
• Keep a telephone and rescue equipment like a life preserver and a long pole with a hook on the end near the pool.
• Use life vests for proper safety and avoid using swimming aides like "floaties."

Playground Safety

• Make sure metal slides are cool enough to prevent children from burning their legs.
• Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
• Carefully maintain all playground equipment.
• For added safety, swings should be made of soft materials like rubber, plastic or canvas.

Travel Safety

• Before you start a trip, always buckle up car seats and seat belts correctly.
• To protect your child, read the manufacturer's instructions for car seats, and the vehicle owner's manual to ensure correct installation and fastening of harnesses and seat belts.
• Put your child in the back seat, the safest place.
• Never place children in rear-facing car seats in the front seat of a car with air bags.
• Keep children entertained with car games, activity books and story tapes.
• Make periodic stops along the way.
• Keep supplies such as snacks, water, medicines and a first aid kit in the car.

Bug Safety

• Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays when playing outdoors.
• Avoid areas where insects nest and congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and flower gardens.
• Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
• Remove an insect stinger from the skin with tweezers or gently scrape off horizontally with a credit card or fingernail.

Dog Bites

• Never leave your infant or young child alone with any dog.
• Teach children basic safety precautions such as not surprising or scaring a dog, and not approaching an unfamiliar dog.
• Contact your pediatrician whenever your child receives an animal bite that breaks the skin.

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