BC Children's Hospital: Warm Weather Safety
Photo by Prince Kwembe
BC Children’s Hospital offers tips on their website for families and caregivers on how to keep children and youth safe during warm weather.
Noting that BC Children’s Hospital typically records an increase in children and youth presenting to the emergency department with warm-weather related injuries, the hospital has provided a number of prevention suggestions for families, stressing that particular caution is required near windows and balconies in warm weather, as well as near bodies of water.
Window and balcony safety
Move furniture and planters – or anything that can be climbed on – away from windows
Install window guards on windows above the ground floor. Fasten windows so that they cannot open more than 10 centimetres wide. Ensure there's a safety release, in case of fire
Talk to your children, if age appropriate, about the dangers of opening or playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of a home or high-rise apartment
Screens are easily pushed out. Remember that screens keep bugs out, not children in
Don't underestimate a child's mobility. Children begin climbing before they can walk; infants are also at risk of window and balcony falls
Water safety
Children need constant supervision when they are around any body of water including a wading pool, pond, splash pad, lake or beach
Adults should be within an arm's reach at all times. Provide 'touch supervision' to infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers
Never assume that a child who knows how to swim isn't at risk for drowning
Personal flotation devices: Ensure that children are wearing proper-fitting flotation devices when they are in or around water
Talk to your children, if age appropriate, about the dangers of water and ensure they follow rules and directions
Warm weather safety
Hydration: Ensure that children stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or other cool liquids
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen throughout the day and ensure they wear hats, sunglasses, and light-weight clothing in breathable materials
Outdoor time: Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
Seek shade and cool places, like community centres or libraries, splash pads, waterparks or pools
Finally, if medical attention or advice is needed for your child, the bulletin notes:
If your infant, child or youth is experiencing a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, call 9-1-1 for an ambulance or visit your nearest emergency department or urgent and primary care centre.
If your infant or child has a non-urgent care need, call 8-1-1 for free health-care guidance, available 24/7; or speak to a primary care provider, such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner.