Imparting wisdom to your kids may be a 365 day a year endeavor, but encouraging safety this time of year is especially important. Shorter days and falling temperatures change your children’s environment, and with the many activities of Fall starting it’s crucial that you keep them on top of their safety skills.
Nighttime Knowledge
With the sun setting earlier each day, kids should be made aware of the dangers presented by limited visibility. Drivers will have a difficult time spotting kids walking or playing in the street, and a lack of light means kids won’t be able to notice any hazards in their environment.
Establish some base rules for how late your kids can stay out past sunset and which well-lit spots they can play in. Consider accompanying them for any outdoor activities that take place in the evening, and always carry a flashlight with you.
Leaf Learning
Nothing says Fall quite like taking a big dive into a crisp pile of leaves. While you prepare a freshly raked pile next to your outdoor ottoman covers, keep in mind that there are some hidden hazards among the red, gold, and orange foliage.
Rocks, sticks, and other sharp debris often find their way into leaf piles. Kids blindly jumping into a pile run the risk of scratching or scraping themselves on these unwelcome bits of nature. Take the time to remove rocks and sticks from the pile, and always tell kids to look before they leap.
Bundled Up
While the frigid temperatures of winter haven’t landed quite yet, the chill of Fall has definitely arrived. Many kids will no doubt want to hang on to their shorts and t-shirts, but staying warm this Fall is a crucial element of safety that you can’t ignore. If a child isn’t dressed appropriately for lower temperatures, they are likely to catch a cold or even risk hypothermia.
Thankfully, the solution to this temperature predicament is simple. Dress your kids in layers that can be easily removed during mid-day highs and put back on when the sun sets. Educate them about the signs of hypothermia, and set a good example by never leaving the house without a jacket.
Fireside Smarts
Between bonfires, s’more making, and removing your outdoor daybed covers for cozy nights under the stars, Fall is your backyard fire pit’s time to shine. With all the time you and your family will be spending fireside, fire safety should be your top priority all season long.
Remind your kids to always keep a safe distance from an active fire and assist little ones with activities such as roasting marshmallows. Teach your family the steps they need to take if sparks escape, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Finally, fire pit covers should always be in place when your pit is not being used.
School Bus Smarts
School is in full swing, and with that comes daily trips on the bus. There are a number of safety tips your kids need to keep in mind as they make their morning and afternoon treks to and from the bus stop.
First and foremost, teach your kids to stay out of the street and always stick to sidewalks. They should never chase after a missed bus, and always look both ways before crossing a street. Younger children should be accompanied on their walks, and you should take off your vehicle covers and drive to pick them up at the bus stop in the event of inclement weather.
Tricks, Treats, and Tips
Halloween night is drawing near, and every kid in the neighborhood is no doubt already excited. As they prepare their costumes and break out their candy pails, make sure they’re armed with some safety tips for the spookiest night of the year.
Establish a predetermined trick or treating route through your neighborhood that sticks with well-lit, familiar streets. Remind them of the street safety rules that you’ve previously established. And while older kids can be given some space as you follow behind at a distance, little ones should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the night.
Home Fire Drill
One safety measure that’s often overlooked is practicing home fire drills. As your family uses the fireplace and lights more candles this season, the risk of a fire increases substantially. Making sure everyone is prepared for the unlikely but still possible event of a house fire will make a huge difference in the outcome.
There are a number of online resources you can consult for step-by-step fire drill instructions. Run a few fire drills with your family, making sure to cover the fire hazards present in your home, escape routes, and the location of fire extinguishers.
Being Safe on Bikes
Fall is the perfect season for bike rides around the neighborhood, whether it be to a friend’s house or just to get a breath of fresh air. If your kids are frequent bike riders, you’ll need to go over the basic rules of bike safety.
Helmets need to be worn for every bike ride, no matter how small the distance. Teach kids to stay in bike lanes and avoid riding through piles of leaves or debris. Consider investing in high-visibility clothing so drivers can spot your kids riding.
Stranger Safety
It’s important that you teach your kids politeness, but teaching them safety around strangers takes priority. Whether it’s when they’re walking to the bus, attending a Fall festival, or trick or treating on Halloween night, children of all ages should be aware of the people around them.
Sit down with your kids to establish the difference between trusted adults (teachers, relatives, etc.) and strangers. Kids should never get in a stranger’s car or accept their offer to leave the area. Always accompany younger children in public and consider giving older kids a cell phone to contact you in case of an emergency.
Close the Pool
If you’re the proud owner of a backyard pool, closing it for the season is in everyone’s best interest. No matter if you drain it or keep it partially full, the pool should be covered until warm weather returns. An uncovered pool is a danger to kids of all ages, but measures such as tarps or covers and a fence will prevent any falls.
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