Author: Northern KY Health Dept

Summer Safety

Pool Safety
Do not let children with diarrhea swim. They can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
Do not swallow the pool water and avoid getting water in mouth.
Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside. Germs can spread in and around the pool.
Prevent Sunburns
Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA/UVB protection every time your child goes outside.
For most effective protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors.
Take sunscreen with you to reapply during the day, especially after your child swims or exercises.
Bike Safety
Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet
See and be seen—always wear bright colors, or something that reflects light when riding day or night.
Avoid riding at night.
Travel
Research the area you are visiting.
Make sure your child is up to date on immunizations and ask your pediatrician if they need any travel vaccines.
Remember prescription medications
Plan to bring car seats because they may not be available.
Animal Bites
Tell children to never touch unfamiliar or wild animals
In the U.S., more raccoons have rabies than other wild animals, but bites from bats most often cause rabies in people.
If you or your child is bitten, wash out the wound for five minutes with soap and water and then get to a doctor right away.
Fight Mosquito bites
Protect your family from Zika virus and other illnesses spread by mosquitoes
Watch for areas and objects around your home that can hold water and support mosquito breeding, such as birdbaths, clogged gutters or flower pots.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants or use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered, skin applied insect repellent. Follow the product label instructions, reapplying as directed. Adults should spray insect repellent onto their own hands and then apply to a child’s face.

Material created by the Northern Kentucky Health Department