Safe Summer 2023

SAFE SUMMER 2023

When our kids are babies, we babyproof the house. As they grow, we need to safety-proof their lives.

The 100 deadliest days for youth are from Memorial Day to Labor Day. How can we protect our young people?

WATER SAFETY

Drowning is the leading cause of death among kids ages 1-4. Read more.
Drowning can happen in as little as 30 seconds.
70% of accidents occur during non-swimming times.
In 88% percent of the cases, at least one adult is present.
Use these five tips from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance to prevent drowning accidents this summer: barriers and alarms, supervision, water competency, life jackets, and emergency preparation.

DRUGS

Lock up your medications. Most young people get their drugs from the home medicine chest. Free medication lock boxes are available in nearly every community. Send us a message to receive a free medication lock box at info@avpride.com.

Most street drugs are laced with Fentanyl. Know the difference between real and fake medications. One Pill Can Kill

Coweta FORCE has many resources available including Fentanyl test strips, drug lock boxes, and other items for disposal of unwanted medications.

For other resources about substance misuse, visit DrugFreeCoweta.org.

The Georgia Prevention Project distributes lock boxes and other resources. Contact kmerchen@georgiapreventionproject.org,

If you or a family member is at high risk of overdose, you may be able to receive a naloxone kit and be trained in its use: Request a Naloxone Kit

ALCOHOL

Set a positive example and avoid social hosting. Know the risks of underage drinking. Be involved in your children’s lives, give them support and room to grow. Follow these and more tips supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: What You Can Do To Prevent Your Child From Drinking

AUTO ACCIDENTS

Auto accidents have been the leading cause of death for teens for 60 years, with the leading causes being inexperience, distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, no seat belts, and tired driving. According to idrivesafely.com, the 14 weeks from Memorial Day to Labor Day are the deadliest days for teen drivers (26% increase in deaths compared to the rest of the year). Teen Drivers and Passengers: Get the Facts

Safe Kids Georgia also encourages getting routine car seat safety checks and knowing the laws of passenger safety and car seats for younger passengers. Georgia Car Seat Safety Guide

GUNS

From 2019 to 2020, gun deaths increased 30% for 1- to 19-year-olds. Keep your firearms locked securely and make your children aware of the risks of having them in your household. “Though mass shootings, which have drastically increased over the past 30 years, are clearly part of the problem, the vast majority of kids are killed by guns in smaller, day-to-day incidents.” Read more.

SUICIDE

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10-24 year olds. Dialing 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to speak with someone now. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

SUMMER SPORTS SAFETY

Participation in summer sports keeps your kids busy while school is out, but it’s important to be mindful of the dangers of injury and dehydration. Proper warmups and equipment as well as good hydration practices are a few steps you can take to keep your active kids safe this summer. Sports Safety Tips

INDEPENDENCE DAY

About 11,500 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries in 2021, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. At least 9 of them died. Children under 15 years old accounted for 29% of these injuries. 4th of July Fireworks Safety: Tips for Families

Enjoy the 4th of July holiday with beach, fireworks and picnic safety tips from the Red Cross: Click here.

FIRE SAFETY

Nearly eighty-seven percent of all fire-related deaths are due to home fires, which spread rapidly and can leave families as little as two minutes to escape once an alarm sounds. With the kids at home all summer, it’s important to have household emergency routines in place and practiced. Read more.

More than 73% of burn injuries occur at home! Learn how to keep your family safe this summer. Learn more.

INTERNET SAFETY

For cool-off time in the hot summer months, many kids turn to the internet, from streaming to gaming to social media browsing. The Federal Trade Commission has many tips to keep your children safe on the internet this summer, including cyberbullying awareness, safe texting, and choosing appropriate shows to watch and websites to visit. Learn more.