Summer has arrived in Alaska! And it’s time for outdoor family fun and weekend road trips around our beautiful state! With the following safety tips in mind your family can stay safe and healthy while adventuring outdoors this summer.
Car Seat & Bike Safety from SafeAlaskans.org
Correctly using the appropriate car seat or fitting a bike helmet can significantly reduce the risk of injury. These ideas can help keep your children safe.
- Schedule a FREE car seat installation appointment at Safealaskans.org. A car seat safety event will be held here on June 4 from 10am – 3pm.
- Teach and reinforce children to walk and bike safely with these resources.
- Learn how to fit a bike helmet correctly by following this guide. Or check with your local bike shop.
Water Safety from the American Red Cross
Before engaging in water activities this summer, make sure you and your children are water smart.
- Watch the Longfellow the Whale videos to help children learn about being water smart.
- Check out FREE water safety courses for caregivers and parents, or take a CPR class. The skills you learn might save a child’s life.
- Always wear a properly fitting life jacket while boating, and wait until baby is big enough to fit in a life jacket before taking them on their first boat ride. Check out Alaska’s Kids Don’t Float program to learn about life jacket loaner boards.
- Teach children not to swallow water while swimming in pools, rivers, lakes, or oceans to prevent water-borne illnesses.
Heat & Sun Safety from KidsHealth.org
Follow these tips to stay healthy while enjoying the sun and heat.
- Never leave a child unattended in a car. The temperature in a car can raise to a life-threatening level in a matter of minutes.
- Apply sunscreen generously at least every two hours and reapply after emerging from water. Dress children in clothing that breathes, hats and sunglasses to protect against UV exposure.
- Avoid scheduling outdoor activities when the sun is the strongest, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Ensure children have access to plenty of drinking water and shade.
- Seek immediate medical attention if your child has signs of heat-related illness.
On the Playground from the CDC
- Check that playgrounds have soft material under them such as wood chips, sand, or mulch.
- Read playground signs and use playground equipment that is right for your child’s age.
- Look out for things in the play area that can trip or injure your child, like tree stumps or rocks.
- Learn the signs of a concussion and what to do if a concussion occurs.
COVID-19 from HealthyChildren.org
- Teach and reinforce everyday preventive actions like hand washing and good hygiene.
- Promote positive behavior, engaged learning, and physical and mental health with outdoor activities.
- Find more information about supporting children during the COVID-19 outbreak on CDC’s Helping Children Cope page and thread’s Family Resource Center page.
For ideas on how to get out and play, check out Travel Alaska’s family-friendly adventure recommendations.