It’s officially summer in Texas! Now that the rain has finally given us a break and school is out, it’s time for those lazy afternoons and warm summer nights! Cookouts, endless pool time, vacations and time with family and friends!
It may be a bit overwhelming just thinking about all of the activity planning you might need to do for your family, but while you’re making that big Summer To Do List, check out these quick tips for keeping your family safe during the summer! Especially if you have kids who will be home alone for any length of time during the break!
Around The House:
Chances are, you’ll be spending most of your free time at home throughout the summer. And if you aren’t, your children definitely will be! Enjoy your outdoor time and maximize your free time by taking care of these few things now!
-Put away hoses, store ladders in shed or garage and put up any home maintenance items out of reach. This will prevent injuries while you or your guests are outside.
-Keep paint, fertilizers, and any and all hazardous chemicals out of reach of children and animals. Place child locks on cabinets where they may be stored.
-Remove dead trees and other yard debris.
-Maintain mowers, trimmers and other lawn and garden tools and put them away when you’re finished. Make sure to use them as directed to avoid serious injury.
-Always grill in an open area that is well-ventilated. Never in a garage or under a carport. Keep children and pets away from your grilling area.
-Supervise children at all times when they are outside. Come up with a plan for older children so you can keep tabs on them if they’re spending the day with friends.
Around The Pool:
Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old? Children’s drowning death and injuries are always the highest between the months of May and August. While swimming pools and spas are perfect for family fun, children and pets are always at risk for injury or worse. These tips will help ensure everyone’s safety in and around your swimming pool this summer!
-Learn CPR and First Aid. Know where you keep band-aids, Neosporin, and any other first aid supplies and keep them easily accessible.
-Never leave children unattended, even if they’re considered to be “good swimmers.” Keep them away from drains, pipes or openings.
-Make sure anyone that comes to your home to swim or visit knows how to swim.
-Check to see if all pool maintenance equipment is in safe working order and test pool and spa covers. Don’t swim if your pool has missing or broken drain covers.
-Use self-closing and self-latching gates, install a fence around the perimeter of your pool or purchase a pool alarm that will go off if anything enters the water.
Important Phone Numbers:
Even if YOU know how to get in touch with your local emergency dispatch, there’s a good chance a child home alone doesn’t. Write down these important phone numbers and place them in a prominent area of your home so they’re easily accessible.
-911 OR your local emergency service number
-Your local NON-EMERGENCY number
-Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 for the center near you
-Fire Department
-Police Department
-Your family physician or pediatrician
-Hospital Emergency Room
-Pharmacy
-Contact numbers for neighbors, nearby relatives and friends or anyone who can get there quickly in case of an emergency
Following these few simple, common sense rules will not only help keep your family safe this summer, but also give you peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your time off.
Have a wonderful summer break, and don’t forget, that I am never too busy for you or your referrals! I can keep the job of searching for a new home relaxing and hassle free, so give me a call if you’re ready to get to work on finding the perfect home for you and your family!
*all information used with permission from Buffini & Company© 2015, all rights reserved.