Summer Safety
Safety is a concern for your family during these months when you are having picnics and may be around water. Children pose specific safety concerns at this time of year.
Here are some suggestions:
Sandy Fun
Summer Food Safety:
- Cleanliness: Handwashing is most important and then keeping surfaces clean when you are preparing food so you do not cross contaminate any of the foods. Always thoroughly wash fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Cooking: Make sure foods are cooked thoroughly and to the proper temperature so that bacteria and germs are destroyed. Allow food to rest for the recommended time so that the internal temperature of the food continues to destroy germs.
- Chilling: Did you know that a room temperature bacteria can double in your food every 20 minutes? Refrigeration kills bacteria so keep foods at cold temperatures so that you do not get sick.
Outdoors:
Sunscreen is something everyone should use especially women who are pregnant as their skin is more sensitive to the sun. Sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer and will age your skin prematurely.
A baby burns more easily than older children because their skin is thin. Sun safety is so important especially for babies younger than 6 months.
Sun Safety:
- Stay out of the sun between 10a.m. and 4p.m. when the sunlight is strongest. Babies that are younger than 6 months should avoid the sun altogether.
- Wear your hat with a brim along with your UV protection sunglasses.
- Wear lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs.
A Day at the Beach…Martha’s Vineyard
Summer Water Safety:
• Never leave your children alone around water. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
• Don’t be distracted when watching your children at the pool or beach. Make sure someone is always watching them and do not rely on family members unless they are specifically designated to watch your children at a given time.
• Use a proper fitting Coast Guard approved life vest for children under 5 years old
• Learn CPR.
Here’s to a safe summer!
Source: News Moms Need »
Tags: CPR, food safety, food-borne illness, sun safety, sunscreen, water safety