Watch for Kids at Play
The end of the school year means more kids are out and about, especially in neighborhoods. Parents and caregivers play an essential role in keeping kids safe while enjoying summer activities.
Safe Driving Around Kids
- When driving, pay attention and scan the entire area around you.
- Look for kids playing near the street and slow down. Children are often unpredictable and unaware of danger around them.
- Slow down around children and other pedestrians.
- Watch for people about to step off the curb at crosswalks.
Neighborhood Safety Tips
- Never let your child walk anywhere alone, whether to the store, to a friend's house, or to the park.
- Never let your child play outside alone. Predators may cruise neighborhoods looking for unsupervised kids. Take turns with other parents in your neighborhood or enlist a trustworthy family member to help.
- If your child rides bikes, roller blades, or skateboards, make sure they are always with two buddies.
- Report any suspicious strangers or vehicles in the neighborhood to police.
Summer Activity Tips
- Teach kids to appreciate and respect EMS professionals, firefighters and police officers, and when and how to dial 911 in an emergency.
- Always wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding, roller skating or riding a scooter.
- Always stop at STOP signs and look both ways before crossing the street.
- Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from harmful solar rays.
- Use care when eating foods like hotdogs, grapes and hard candy or cut them into smaller pieces to prevent choking.
- Never allow unsupervised children to play near or swim in streams, pools, retention ponds or other bodies of water.