By Christina Bramlett, Life Safety Educator / PIO / Firefighter/ Paramedic
Summer is here, the warmer weather has made its presence known and FINALLY the winter weather is behind us!
Schools are letting out and for many children in our county, they are getting their first taste of independence as they stay home alone during the day. It’s an exciting time as they are “in charge” of the house!
I remember being a latch-key kid myself at the tender age of 9. Even for kids who have been home alone before, it is essential to go over situational awareness and the what to do if scenarios.
What if…
a fire starts in the kitchen?
a severe thunderstorm or tornado blows in?
an intruder attempts or makes entry?
they have a medical or trauma emergency?
a neighbor comes looking for help?
a sibling gets injured?
Even if an adult will be home, what if that adult is incapacitated?
Have you established and practiced your home escape plan? Do they have a way to contact 911? Do you have afirst aid kit? Do they know their safe room without windows for severe weather? Is a fire extinguisher easily accessible AND do they know how to operate it (PASS–Pull/Aim/Squeeze/Sweep)?
These are all important things to talk about with kids as they begin their summers at home, and we’re here to help.
We’ve added a Family Escape Plan file for you to print out and complete as a family to create your own escape plan: www.tinyurl.com/MCESescapePlan. Make sure you arm your children with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe!
With summer time also comes cook-outs and playing in and around water, whether that be pools, ponds, or lakes. Here are some safety tips to keep young and old safe this summer:
Grill Safety:
3 feet is the rule around grills and blackstones. You can get creative by utilizing potted plants or flowers around 3 sides of the grill to establish that 3’ barrier so little hands don’t accidentally touch the hot surfaces.
The 3-foot rule also applies to the house. Every year we have structure fires that started from the grill being too close to the home itself or something else combustible.
Water safety:
Make it the standard to buddy swim.
Anytime you can’t see the bottom like in ponds or lakes, wear a life-jacket. Every time! Accidents happen, cramps that prevent being able to tread water or swim happen, unintentional water in the airway happens.
The color of your child’s bathing suit matters. See our graphic for help in choosing their next swimsuit.
Remember the 3 P’s. Planning Prevents Panic. Stay safe this summer Monroe County!
