Safe Summer – Check It Out
Media release
19 December 2006
Safe Summer – Check It Out
The school bell rings for the last time in most primary schools tomorrow, and while kids everywhere will be rejoicing, adults will be in a frenzy of preparation for the long summer break.
Holidays mean parents and caregivers need to be prepared for the extra challenges of fulltime summer care to ensure a safer summer. Drawing up a list of simple precautions, and checking them off, could be the wisest investment you make all summer.
HSC spokesperson Wendy Billingsley says in the rush of holiday preparations, even if you’re staying close to home, it’s easy to overlook basic safety measures.
The HSC recommends dividing safety issues under topic headings to make it less likely to forget anything. From sun safety to checking the vehicle, and from water safety to careful food handling, the holidays are going to be better for everyone if a few simple preparations are in place.
For example, to be SunSmart, and avoid the pain of sunburn:
• Make sure every member
of the family has a wide brimmed sun hat.
• Always have
plenty of SPF 30+ sunscreen on hand – and use it
liberally.
• Always have extra, loose fitting clothes
to slip on.
• Check the UV Index and take appropriate
action (see www.sunsmart.org.nz for advice). When it’s 6
or above you need to protect yourself.
• Stay in the
shade as much as possible, especially between 11am to 4pm
when the levels of ultraviolet radiation are most
dangerous.
And when you’re travelling, remember you can still get sunburned through car windows.
Other tips for a safe and happy summer holiday include:
Travelling:
• Get the brakes and tyres
checked.
• Check Warrant of Fitness.
• Check AA
membership.
• Carry a first aid kit and
blankets.
• Make sure windows are clean.
• Plan
trips with plenty of rest stops.
• Lock the car
whenever you’re away from it.
• Never leave children
unattended.
Food Safety
• Clean hands before handling
food and after touching raw meat and poultry.
• Make
sure food is cooked properly – until juices run clear and
there is no pink flesh.
• Eat food as soon as possible
after it has been cooked.
• Cover and refrigerate
leftovers as soon as possible.
Water
Safety
• Make sure children are supervised at all
times.
• Don’t drink and swim.
• Check for
rips.
• Swim between the flags.
“Sometimes it’s taking the simplest measures to keep the family safe over summer that can make all the difference,” Ms Billingsley says. “Just slipping into some shade can save lots of tears at bedtime.”
Useful websites:
www.sunsmart.org.nz
www.aa.co.nz
www.watersafety.org.nz
www.police.govt.nz/safety/
www.nzfsa.govt.nz
Ends