· Make

sure that children are well hydrated. It is important for children to

have periodic hydration during any activity, even if they do not feel

thirsty.A good rule of thumb is 5 oz. of cold tap water each 20 minutes

for a child weighing 80 lbs.

· During

hot weather, dress children in light-colored and lightweight clothes made

of absorbent material to facilitate the evaporation of sweat.This will

help eliminate heat stress in children during outside activities.

· Make

sure that your children are supervised at all times around the swimming

pool. Install a fence of at least 4 feet high to help keep children away

from the water, and make sure that there is proper rescue equipment (shepherd's

hook and life preserver) near the pool.

· As we

all know, mosquitoes in Georgia can be very bad. When purchasing bug repellant

for your child make sure it contains no more than 10 percent DEET.This

chemical is absorbed through the skin, and higher concentrations can cause

harm to your child.

· Since

many families will be hitting the road for vacations, it is important

that children are buckled up, and in the proper car or booster seat.The

back seat is the safest place for children; make sure to read your car's

air-bag information before placing a child in the front seat.

· Make

sure your child has the proper gear to go along with their bicycle, skateboard,

or scooter. Children should wear a helmet at all times, along with other

protective gear such as knee and elbow pads.Watch out for roads with heavy

traffic patterns.

· When

visiting playgrounds, make sure there are no moving parts where a child

could get pinched or trapped. Also, make sure there is no exposed metal

that could burn a child.

· When

taking the boat out, make sure children have a life jacket on at all times.

Check the life jacket to make sure it fits properly, and follow all instructions

on the jacket. It is a good idea for adults to also wear a life jacket

- not only is it for their own protection, but it also sets a good example

for the children.