Keeping your child safe is every parent’s top priority here are some Outdoor Safety Tips For Every Parent to follow.

 

Outdoor Safety Tips For Every Parent

Being a parent means you probably spend a lot of time outdoors with your kids. Such moments are precious, but they may also be dangerous because so many threats are nearby, such as potential hazards for trips and falls. According to statistics, the number of unintentional casualties among children and young adults, ages 1 to 19, is approximately 12,000 per year. Here are some recommendations for outdoor safety to help you keep your kids safe.

1. Educate kids on outdoor safety

It’s important to start teaching your kids about outdoor safety as soon as possible—even before they venture out on their own. The earlier you start, the more likely they will remember and follow your safety tips. You can teach them how to identify dangerous animals and plants, stay safe around strangers, what to do if they get lost and how to deal with emergencies.

2. Understand natural hazards & extreme weather conditions

Thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, and earthquakes can happen anywhere, so it’s crucial to be aware of your region’s natural hazards and extreme weather conditions and know what to do to stay safe. You can find information on natural hazards and extreme weather conditions by contacting your local emergency management agency. One of the easiest ways to keep kids safe in such weather conditions is to create kids’ crafts that can keep them entertained indoors.

3. Set a fire safety plan 

Whenever there’s a fire, time is of the essence. That’s why planning what to do in a fire is important. Your fire safety plan should include evacuation routes, a designated meeting spot, and emergency phone numbers. Practicing your plan with your kids is important, so everyone knows what to do in an emergency. And remember not to leave kids alone in enclosed spaces, especially if there’s a fire.

4. Have a plan in case of an accident or injury

Nobody likes to think about this, but it’s important to know what to do if your kids get injured somehow. For instance, suppose there is a motorcycle accident involving your teen. In that case, contact a motorcycle accident attorney immediately, as the laws governing accidents with kids are complex and often state-specific. This step is especially important if someone else’s negligence caused the injury. And make sure that you document everything. Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries, if you can. Keep track of medical records and expenses related to the injury and any lost wages or childcare costs due to the injury. Then focus on recovery by ensuring that your child meets with medical professionals regularly and follows their instructions for treatment and rehabilitation. 

5. Choose the right protective gear

Before you and your kids head out, make sure you’ve got the basics—helmets for biking or skateboarding, outdoor shoes with non-slip soles for hiking, and protective eyewear for activities such as shooting. If your kids are into water sports, make sure they wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid while in the boat or doing something on a lake. It would help if you also kept a whistle handy so they could call for help in an emergency. For more extreme activities like rock climbing or mountain biking, you should invest in armor to protect your child from falls and bumps. Depending on your child’s activity, you should consider other equipment, such as knee and elbow pads.

6. Teach your kids more about water safety

You can explore lots of water-related activities with your kids, from swimming to boating. However, ensuring your kids know how to stay safe while having fun is important. Start by teaching your kids how to float. While this may sound age-dependent, floating can be learned at any age and is a valuable skill that could save their lives. Make sure they understand the principle of buoyancy and how it works so they can easily establish balance in the water. When it comes to actual swimming lessons if you decide to go this route, look for accredited centers that focus on safety by teaching the fundamentals of swimming. 

7. Practice bicycle & motorcycle safety tips

Make sure your children understand the basics of intersection safety since the roads are more congested than ever. This step includes teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street and remembering that bikers, skateboarders, and scooters should yield to pedestrians and all motor vehicles. Also, be sure they communicate with their hands when turning so other drivers know what to anticipate.

When you can, supervise your kids when they’re playing outside near a street. Explain the importance of safety rules by providing them with real-life scenarios, so it sticks with them. This way, you can rest assured while spending quality time with your kids outdoors.