SUE'S BLOG...
July 5, 2011
A Safe and Happy Summer
Now that school is out and the kids are home for the summer, it’s a good time to remind everyone on how to stay safe and have a happy and healthy break.
POOLS
For those of you with your own backyard swimming pool, please ensure you’ve looked after the following items for your child’s safety:
· Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool.
· Instruct babysitters about potential hazards to young children in and around swimming pools and the need for constant supervision.
· Completely fence the pool. Install self-closing and self-latching gates. Position latches out of reach of young children. Keep all doors and windows leading to the pool area secure to prevent small children from getting to the pool. Effective barriers and locks are necessary preventive measures, but there is no substitute for supervision.
· Do not consider young children "drown proof" because they have had swimming lessons; young children should always be watched carefully while swimming.
· Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
· Never use a pool with its pool cover partially in place, since children may become entrapped under it. Remove the cover completely.
· Place tables and chairs well away from the pool fence to prevent children from climbing into the pool area.
· Keep toys away from the pool area because a young child playing with the toys could accidentally fall in the water.
· Remove steps to above ground pools when not in use.
· Have a telephone at poolside to avoid having to leave children unattended in or near the pool to answer a telephone elsewhere. Keep emergency numbers at the poolside telephone.
· Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
· Keep rescue equipment by the pool.
If you don’t have your own pool, consider using the City’s many indoor/outdoor facilities, including the spray pads in Ward 10—Tobias Mason Park (opening soon), Lisgar Fields, and Churchill Meadows Common.
DRIVING/CYCLING/WALKING
Motorists need to be especially careful for children walking along or crossing streets in our residential communities. Please drive slowly and be alert. Residents are encouraged to use Peel Regional Police’s new web page to report speedy, aggressive and eratic driving: ROAD WATCH
Cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motorists. In addition, properly-fitting bicycle helmets are required by law for children under 18 and functional bells or horns are now required on all bicycles.
Pedestrians should use common sense when walking in neighbourhoods and especially in high-traffic areas. Use crosswalks and signaled-intersections when possible; never jaywalk; walk on the sidewalk; look to the left and right when crossing streets, alleys and driveways; walk, don’t run.
Click to read more safety tips from Peel Regional Police.
JUST HANGING OUT
The lazy days of summer are great for just hanging around plazas, shopping malls, parks, and community centres. Teens and younger children should continue to be aware of their surroundings to keep themselves safe and prevent robberies or assaults.
Have you ever heard of “Punk-Off Robberies?” Click here for safety tips from Peel Regional Police on ways to protect yourself.
These are just a few tips and reminders to help you enjoy your summer. I hope it’s a safe and happy one for everyone!
Sue