Safety tips for kids this summer from B.C. health-care professionals

Ahead of the hot weather forecast for next week, paramedics are giving parents with young children tips on how to safely beat the heat.

With hot and sunny weather upon us, BC Children’s hospital and BC Emergency Health Services are reminding parents how they can keep their little ones safe.

While many will crack open windows to try and keep their homes cooler, parents are being asked to proceed with caution.

According to the hospital, 15 kids were brought to the emergency room last year after falling from a window or balcony.

“No parent or carer ever expects their child to be a victim of an injury related to warm weather, which are often devastating for everyone involved”, said Christy Hay, executive director, clinical operations at BC Children’s Hospital.

“This is why we encourage families to be aware and take proactive action near windows, balconies and bodies of water. Never underestimate a child’s mobility,” she said.

Parents are advised to move furniture, planters or anything that could be climbed on away from windows, and to consider buying window locks – even if they already have screens in place.

“If you look at screens, they’re really good at keeping the bugs on the outside, but they’re not good at keeping kids on the inside,” said Brian Twaites with BC EHS.

When it comes to going outside, Twaites says the usual staples like hydration, proper sunscreen and even UV protective clothing are very important.

Twaites says when taking your kids to a pool or any body of water, its crucial to make sure floatation devices like lifejackets or water wings fit properly, never assume your child knows how to swim, and always keep an eye on them.

“Parents, we want to make sure you’re in arms length of children near water at all times, that touch coverage that you’re always beside them in the water is really important,” he said.