The Southeast Utah Health Department took time to come into Castle Country Radio to share some important Summer Safety Tips with listeners. Health Educator, Paige Haeck was eager to share information on preventing hot car deaths and share tips on water safety.
With the hottest months approaching its important that you never leave a child inside a car in this type of weather. “Let’s just remember that our kids, like our infants and young children they overheat three to five times faster than we as adults do. So even just a few minutes in the car for a kid can be life threatening. So just remember that the car heats up a lot faster in matter of minutes he can heat up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and in thirty minutes it can go up to 62. So just remember it gets super-hot in there and for those little bodies they just can’t handle it,” said Haeck. It’s important for everyone to understand that children are more vulnerable to heatstroke and that all hot car deaths are preventable. Make sure to always, always, check your backseat.
The summer months can mean family road trips to visit various attractions and it’s important that children are secured properly when going on these trips. “Down at the health department, we are more than willing to help you with that. We can fit your kids to a car seat. We can install them for you. We can double-check the one that you have. We are always willing. We are down there from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm – you’re more than welcome to stop in,” explained Haeck. They can help answer any questions that parents may have about their child’s car seat. The health department is located at 149 East 100 South.
Parents may find that their child likes to spend time on or near the water during the summer months. “It’s super important to always make sure that you have the proper life jacket on or just anything to keep you above water. Another super important thing is to make sure your kids know how to swim at all, like that’s super important, just making sure and that your kid is aware of how dangerous water can be,” said Haeck. Parents should always supervise children when they’re in the water.
Individuals who would like more information on summer safety tips can visit the health department’s website at https://www.seuhealth.com/ it has a plethora of information for parents. The Southeast Utah Health Department would like to wish everyone in the community a safe and happy summer.