Summer Safety Tips

Summer is almost here! We want to ensure our students and families enjoy a fun and safe summer, so we're sharing some safety tips below.

Water Safety

In the months ahead, consider these tips to stay safe in and around the water:

• Wear life vests: Wear a life vest during water activities. Ensure kids wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket when swimming in open water, boating or paddleboarding.
• Active supervision: Keep a close eye on children and those who aren't strong swimmers when they are in the water. Keep young children within arm's reach ("touch supervision") when near any body of water, including lakes, pools, and the ocean.
• Even experienced swimmers can lose muscle control very quickly in cold temperatures.
• Fast-flowing water makes rescues difficult.
• As temperatures rise, stay hydrated and remember that even for legal adults, alcohol increases the risk of hypothermia.

 
Additional water safety tips are available at Lake Safe Initiative or the Washington State Department of Health website.

Heat and Sun Protection

Hot temperatures increase the risk of some health problems, such as heat stroke, heart attacks, stroke and kidney failure. Those at additional risk include young children, adults older than 65, people with chronic health concerns, athletes who exercise outdoors, those who work outdoors, and people who don't have shelter.

You and your family can stay safe and enjoy the summer weather by taking a few simple precautions during hot weather:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be outside during the high heat, wear a hat, loose clothing, and try to stay in the shade. Get somewhere cool quickly if you experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, or muscle cramps. Encourage kids to drink water frequently before they feel thirsty. Do not let children exercise or play outside for longer than 30 minutes at a time when temperatures reach 90° F or higher.
• Avoid peak sun hours. The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
• Use broad spectrum sunscreen: Apply a generous layer of SPF30+ sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. Reapply every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.
• Dress for protection. Outfit children in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Learn more about hot weather precautions on the Department of Health website.

For a complete checklist on preparing your family for hot weather and avoiding heat exhaustion, check out the Washington State Department of Health Heat Illness Guide.

Window and Home Safety

• Never leave children or pets in vehicles. Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can rise quickly and become deadly.
• Window safety: Because children can easily fall out of open windows, install safety stops and guards on any windows above the first floor.
• Keep your home cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, keep your shades and windows closed during the daytime. Open them in the evening when it’s cooler outside. Use fans to circulate air indoors.
• Visit a cooling center. If your home gets dangerously hot, go to a cooling center in your community such as a library or community center. Call 211 to find locations in your area.
• Check on others. Make sure neighbors, friends, and family are safe – especially those who live alone or have health conditions.

Learn more on the website for Public Health -- Seattle & King County.

Summer Fire Safety

• A reminder: Fireworks are NOT allowed on school or district campuses.
• Do not use consumer fireworks (fireworks sold for use by the general public).
• Keep a close eye on children at events with fireworks.
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should be used outdoors only.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease buildup.
• A reminder that fireworks are banned in many local areas, including King County, with some exceptions. Learn more at the Eastside Fire & Rescue webpage.
• The King County Fire Marshal issues Fire Safety Burn Bans for unincorporated King County in response to hot and/or dry conditions, in coordination with King County cities and other county and state agencies. Check your local area for burn bans/restrictions.

Please share this information in your neighborhood, school and parent/guardian groups to help keep our youth and adults safe on warm summer days!