It's that time of year again, when the temperature climbs up into triple digits. Your kids probably want to head outside in the heat. As a parent or caretaker, it's wise to remember these summer safety tips: Drink plenty of water, apply sunscreen and stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

Cristina Elizondo, RN, Trauma Coordinator at the Emergency Department at Doctors Hospital of Laredo, offers more good advice for you and your family to stay safe in the summer heat.

Sun Safety

• Cover your arms and legs with light-colored, lightweight clothes that deflect the sun's energy.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses and take an umbrella if you plan to sit in the sun.
• Apply sunscreen even on overcast days.
• Drink water throughout the day, even when you're not thirsty.
• Avoid outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Have children take periodic breaks in the shade.

Water Safety

• Learn to swim. Call your local chapter of the American Red Cross for information about free or low-cost swimming lessons.
• Swim in lifeguard-approved areas and abide by water safety signs.
• Make sure children wear personal flotation devices approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Arm tubes or "floaties" do not provide adequate protection from drowning.
• Supervise children from within the pool. Keep young children in the shallowest areas, even if they are good swimmers.
• Surround residential pools with fences that are at least four feet high and have self-closing latches.

Playground Safety

• Always supervise children. Do not allow more than one child on a swing or other playground equipment intended for one child at a time.
• Be sure metal slides and other playground equipment are cool before letting children use them.
• Trampolines are dangerous and should be avoided.

Transportation Safety

• Newborns and babies younger than 1 year of age and under 20 pounds (or up to the weight of the car seat) should be placed in rear-facing car seats in the backseat of your car. State law requires a child who is younger than 5 years old and shorter than 3 feet tall to ride in a car or booster seat in the backseat.
• Older children should ride in the backseat with lap belts and shoulder belts that lie comfortably across their chest. After age 13 they may ride in the front seat, positioned as far as possible from the airbags.
• State law prohibits children younger than 16 in a moving ATV (all-terrain vehicle) and older children who do not have a driver's license from operating an ATV.

Cristina Elizondo, RN, Trauma Coordinator

Get CPR Training
As a parent, you could be in the best position to help save your child's life should an emergency arise. Register for CPR classes at Doctors Hospital of Laredo. Classes are offered in June and August. For dates, times and fees, please call Brenda Lopez, Director of Education, at 953-523-2132.

Doctors Hospital, 10700 McPherson Rd, Laredo, TX 78045 956-523-2000 / FAX 956-523-0444