Sun Safety for Kids, Summer Food Safety, Pool and Playground Safety

Hot weather can put your child at risk for dehydration and sun-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Read up on the signs and symptoms of each and find out what to do if your child is suffering from one. Also, learn about preventing hot car deaths.

Whether it’s the Fourth of July or any other outdoor celebration, nothing beats a great firework display. Although it might seem like a fun idea to set some off yourself, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission strongly recommends that you leave any and all fireworks to the professionals.

However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set some off on your own, make sure to follow these 6 fireworks safety tips before you do.

Sun protection in the summertime is a given, but do you know what to look for in a sunscreen? Follow these sunscreen guidelines for all ages, and use this list of safest sunscreens for kids to find one that works best for your family.

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all thrive in warmer months, especially in wooded areas, and contact with these plants can cause a blistering red rash, headache, and fever.

Find out how to avoid contamination, and learn how to treat poison ivy if your child comes into contact with it.

Typical summertime activities like hiking and picnics can expose your family (and pets) to these nasty little bugs. Practice these 6 tips to avoid ticks to help prevent any unwanted bites.

If you do find one on your child, you’ll need to remove it as soon as possible, and watch for these signs and symptoms, as they might indicate Lyme disease and will require medical attention.

Nothing cools you off quite like a dip in the pool on a hot summer day, but this summer pastime can also present some obvious (and not-so-obvious) dangers.

Use this list of pool safety guidelines to make sure your whole family stays safe. Many of the same rules apply for swimming safety as well, so educate your child before he enjoys splashing around.

Barbecues and picnics are a summertime staple, but be careful — between undercooking meat on the grill, letting food sit in the heat too long, and lack of outdoor facilities to wash hands and food, it’s not surprising that rates of food-borne illnesses rise in the summer months.

Refer to these easy-to-follow summer food safety tips to keep your food safe for consumption.

Amusement parks, outdoor festivals, concerts, and other events can be a special treat for summer days, but it’s important to cover some basic safety rules with your child before you head out.

Make sure to talk to your kids about stranger danger, and what to do if they get lost. Many facilities will have staff who are well-trained in helping lost children, so educate your child on who to look for in case he gets separated from you.

You’ll likely be taking more trips to the playground now that the kids are out of school. Use this simple checklist to make sure your playground meets the safety standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

A leisurely bike ride is the quintessential summertime activity. We all know the importance of bike helmets, but is your child wearing the right size? Use these easy tips to ensure his helmet fits correctly.

Also, this bike safety article is a fun and easy way to educate your child on how to stay safe on two wheels.