News  Summer Safety Tips from DCF

As warm weather approaches and summer activities begin, the Department of Children and Families encourages parents and caregivers to stay vigilant about safety, especially when children are around water, motor vehicles, and open windows.  

Children should always be supervised when near the water, whether they are in the bathtub, pool, or the ocean. Adults caring for a child should know CPR in the event of an emergency. In pools or bodies of water, children who cannot swim should wear floatation devices and toys should be kept away from the water when not being used so children don’t jump in the water to use them while unattended. More information on how to safely enjoy the water this summer can be found here. 

During hot summer months, it is important to remember that cars can quickly become dangerous for children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cars can reach over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes on a warm day.  

• Never leave children alone in the car, even with the windows open.  
• Do not let children play unsupervised around cars and make sure all doors of the car are locked when children are playing outside near a garage or driveway. 
• To remind yourself that your child is in your car, place a purse, briefcase, or other item in the backseat.  

For more information about summer safety for cars, visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/child-safety/help-prevent-hot-car-deaths  

With warm weather, many families leave windows open but are unaware of the risks to children. Falls are the leading cause of injury to children age five and under, but they can be prevented. Here are several steps parents and family members can take to avoid injuries this summer: 

• Lock all unopened doors and windows 
• Keep beds, furniture, and anything a child can climb on away from windows 
• Open windows from the top, not from the bottom 
• Be sure children are always supervised 
• Install child safety window guards 

Window screens are not a suitable substitute for window guards because they are not strong enough to keep a child from falling. Many hardware supply stores carry window guards and low-cost window guards are available for Boston residents at: 

Boston Building Materials Co-op 

100 Terrace St. 

Boston, MA 02120 

(617)-442-2262 

For more information on fall prevention click here.