Stay Safe this 4th of July

Stay Safe this 4th of July
Tips Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 
 
Firework Safety  
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to urge families NOT to buy fireworks for their own or their children’s use, as thousands of people, most often children and teens, are  injured each year while using consumer fireworks. 
Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death. The AAP is part of the  Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, a group of health and safety organizations that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and to only enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals. 
  • Fireworks can result in severe burn or injury.  
  • Sparklers can burn at more than 1000°F and account for 10% of fireworks-related injuries overall. So, even sparklers should be avoided.
  • It is better to be a spectator than a doer! Families should attend community fireworks displays run by professionals rather than using fireworks at home.
Summer Safety Tips: Sun and Water Safety
To  prevent sunburn  the AAP recommends that infants avoid sun exposure, and are dressed in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However, when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of  sunscreen  with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets a sunburn, apply cool compresses to the affected area. See  Baby Sunburn Prevention  for more information.
  • The first, and best, line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) avoiding sun exposure by covering up. Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
  • Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that provide 97%-100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays), and clothing with a tight weave. 
  • On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
Water Safety
  • Never leave children alone in or near water, even for a moment; close supervision by a responsible adult is the best way to prevent drowning in children.
  • Less experienced swimmers and children under age 5 in or around water should have an adult – preferably one who knows how to swim and perform CPR – within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”
  • Never swim alone. Even good swimmers need buddies!
  • Designate a “water watcher” when you are in, on or around water.
  • Because drowning can be quick and quiet, the water watcher should pay constant attention, not involved in any other activity such as reading, playing cards, on the phone, while supervising children, even if lifeguards are present.

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