Outdoor safety is key to fun in the sun for the entire family — Follow these helpful tips.
Okay, there’s no getting around this. Arizona can be hot – really, really hot –in the summer. It is still summer, though, and that means school’s out, there’s time to play and even when it’s sunny and (really, really) hot, children play outside. Think Ahead to Protect Against the Sun Younger children, especially, need some extra protection at this time of year – it doesn’t take long for a toddler to become overheated and sunburned. Babies less than a year old need to be in lightweight long pants or dresses, with long sleeved shirts and hats, too (they’ll look cute in the hat and it’s important to protect their tender scalps). While babies are really too little for more than a dab of sunscreen, children and teens alike need to wear sunscreen, with both UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 15. Sunscreen’s a must even on cloudy days. They should also be wearing hats and sunglasses, and playing under shade whenever possible. Plan ahead to make sure all the children have something to drink about every half hour or so. Water, a fruit-flavored sports drink or light juice, are all good ideas; soda’s not an optimum choice. Make certain your car, truck or van isn’t harboring little passengers when you park it. Even on relatively cool days, say, at an outside temperature of 72, the inside of a closed car can reach more than 115 degrees within an hour. If the temperature is higher, a locked car in the sun can reach 128 degrees in less than 20 minutes. Don’t forget the bug spray, either, if you’re going out to the park or even to the backyard. Avoiding scented soaps, perfumes and hair sprays can help you and your children to be less alluring to the insect world, but a little insect repellent wouldn’t hurt. Sunscreen and bug repellent combinations may not be a practical choice. The sunscreen needs to be reapplied, not so with the bug spray. Look for products with DEET, which repels both ticks and mosquitoes. Children under two months shouldn’t be wearing insect repellent (that’s why you have them in those cool cotton outfits with long sleeves). Everyone else needs a DEET concentration of at least 30 percent, and you can wash that stuff off when everyone’s back inside. Pets Need Protection Too
In Arizona, the sidewalks and asphalt retains heat in the summer; no matter what time of day. Your pet’s paws may be sensitive to this extreme heat. Check out your local pet store for special booties that can protect your pet and offer peace of mind for you too. It might not be possible to keep Spot under a tree, but make sure there’s plenty of water available. And – just like the children – make sure that if you’re travelling with your dog or cat, pets needs to be out of the car if you are. Pool and Water Safety—Watch Your Kids and Pets Around Water
Just to be on the safe side, keep some rescue equipment handy. You’ll need a long pole made of fiberglass or a similar material with a hook on the end (don’t even think about using anything that could conduct electricity for pool rescues), along with a life preserver and a portable telephone. Keep in mind that “floaties” are not a substitute for life vests, although they’re a fun toy for smaller children. Remember, too, that the American Academy of Pediatrics says that swim programs for children under the age of four generally do not help to prevent drowning. Children under age four just aren’t ready to perform strong, protective maneuvers in the water. Oh – and if Spot’s still playing with everyone, don’t forget that many dogs don’t swim. If everyone wants Spot in the pool (or in the lake), he may not be willing if he’s not a swimmer. If he’s willing, though, think about fitting the pup with a life preserver. After all, you want everyone in the family to be healthy when it’s time for school to begin again. |
The kids are home, and it’s hot. You want them to play outside, but you want them to be safe, too. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind. 
If the family pooch likes to join the gang for play outside, remember that doggies can suffer from heat stroke and sunburn just as we do. If you take the dog for long walks or runs, make sure you’re excerisizing in the cooler times of the day. 
When it’s time for everyone to take a dip in the pool, just remember it’s exactly the same as the car rule: kids in the pool, parent or responsible adult (not your 13 year old helper) is right there. Within arm’s reach.
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