Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) As kids are out having fun during summer break, they may also be at a higher risk for accidental injuries. Trauma season stretches from Memorial Day to Labor Day and marks a critical time for child safety.
“It is a season in which we see an increase of up to 41% in childhood injuries,” said Summers County ARH ED Director Sarah Barnett. “The big thing is a lot of broken bones. We always amp up for the summer season. We stock the ortho-glass cart. And then a lot of water injuries, especially here in Summers County. We do live right here on the river.”
When kids are home for the summer, it can put more strain on parents trying to keep them safe, but Barnett says constant vigilance is key, as well as always making sure to use proper safety gear.
“I know that summertime is hard. My husband and I have two kids at home, so we get it. They want to play outside alone, but we do urge constant supervision when near the water or during any outdoor activities. And also flotation devices… things that would seem like common sense but need to be ramped up more: So helmets, pads, anything like that, when they’re out on their bikes and scooters, helmets, especially if they’re out playing on ATVs, sunscreen, that’s a huge one…and keeping kids hydrated, and bug sprays.”
Beyond outdoor safety, parents should make sure their indoor spaces are also as safe as possible for young children spending more time at home.
“Whether they’re playing outside or inside, make sure your house is child-proofed. I know we think about it on a general day-to-day, and they go into their rooms and play after school and things, but they’re home 24/7 right now. So just make sure you don’t have any easily accessible dangers in your home or, you know, if you’ve done spring cleaning and have left chemicals under the sink, you might want to move them up a little higher and make sure that you don’t have anything harmful in reach of curious kids that are bored during the summer.”
Keeping kids safe is a 24/7 job, but if an emergency does happen, be sure to call 9-1-1.
