It used to be that I could count on several things happening every year in the season between May and September—there would inevitably be a bee sting or two, a battle with mosquitoes, someone would step on a nail or shard of glass, someone would get a tick or chigger, and there might even be some sort of scratches or bites from neighborhood pets. Who would have thought the leisurely months of summer could be such a danger for the average family? Fortunately, a little planning and preparation and I was ready for these realities of summer living and an active family.
It is a good idea to take a look at your first-aid kit and first-aid supplies by mid-spring to see what needs to be replaced and re-stocked. Making sure that you’re ready for those first bee stings and bug bites might mean filling in items that were used up in the previous year. Also check your sunscreen and bug repellent to see if that needs to be replaced as well. Things like plenty of ice, antibiotic cream, burn gel, etc. all seem to come in handy during the summer months.
Knowing where your children stand on their tetanus shot is another good, preparatory thing. My doctor recommends having children’s tetanus shots renewed every seven years. So, in the case of stepping on a rusty nail, getting a nasty cut, or some sort of animal bite, knowing when the last shot was will help in current treatment.
Going through your yard and doing a thorough clean-up—looking for potential hazards like broken equipment, rusty items, and bee’s nests—is a good idea as the weather gets warmer. My kids were able to find just about any bee’s nest or hazard possible—even if I’d thought I’d cleaned things up pretty well. But, knowing what the potential hazards are will help you to be prepared.
Finally, reminding your children of safety rules and guidelines is always a good idea. Even if you think they are old enough to remember, it’s just good prevention to revisit the family rules, neighborhood boundaries, and go over what to do in case of an injury or emergency. Do this at the beginning of the outdoor season and revisit throughout the summer to make sure that everyone is being attentive to safety.
See Also: Are You Ready For Sunny Days? and Does Everyone In Your Family Know What to do In Case of an Emergency?