Health and Safety Podcast

Aug. 11, 2010

Topics

Aug. 11, 2010: Summertime injuries. Summer heat. Volunteering for an emergency

exercise. Immunizations

Summertime Injuries

Falls, bicycle crashes, burns, motorized

vehicle accidents and near-drownings

are the leading causes of hospitalization

for children duringthe summer.

Summertime Injuries Children should always wear a

helmet when riding a bicycle, use hand signals and walk the bicycleacross busy streetsand intersections.

Parents should makesure the bike's seat and handlebars fit the child. 

Summertime Injuries Keep hot foods and

beverages away fromthe edges of tables orcountertops.

Supervise older childrenwhen they're usingfireworks or near acampfire.

Summertime Injuries Many children are attracted

to motorized vehicles suchas cars, scooters, golf cartsand ATVs.

Parental supervision is the key to preventing injuries.

Summertime Injuries Drownings and near-drownings can

occur in just a few inches of water. – Parents should always practice touch

supervision, meaning they need to be close enough to reach out to a child at any time.

– Children should always wear an approved flotation device when in a pool.

– Parents should be certified in CPR.

Summer Heat Heat is the number

one weather-relatedkiller in the U.S.

National WeatherService data shows that heat causes more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.

Summer Heat Never leave your child

unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.

Make sure your child's safety seat and safety belt buckles aren't too hot before securing your child in a safety restraint system, especially when your car has been parked in the heat.

www.weather.gov

Emergency Exercise Fairfax County residents are

needed Saturday, Sept. 25, to act as mock emergency volunteers.

Volunteer Fairfax, the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management and the Fairfax County Health Department will be testing Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) plans. 

Emergency Exercise No prior training is needed. There are no physical limitations

prohibiting participation. Time commitment will not last the

length of the exercise. If you are interested in acting as a

volunteer, e-mail Volunteer Fairfax at ERexercise@volunteerfairfax.org.

Immunizations Review children’s immunization

records to ensure they are up-to-date before school begins.

A certificate of immunization is required for children entering kindergarten, sixth grade, and new students transferring into Fairfax County Public Schools.

Immunizations Required school immunizations are

available through your health provider or one of the five Health Department clinics.

In addition to regular hours, the Health Department has extended clinic hours on Aug. 24, Aug. 31, Sept. 3 and Sept. 7.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd

Additional Information www.fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency

9-1-1 – Emergency police, fire, medical.

703-691-2131 – Non-emergency.