ENDING SCHOOL YEAR MEANS DRIVERS AND PARENTS NEED TO BE VIGILANT
As schools begin closing for the summer, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Indiana State Police (ISP) remind Hoosiers that increased numbers of children will be outside playing. Drivers should be extra cautious when traveling through neighborhoods and parking lots, and caregivers are reminded that safety begins with supervision.
“Parents and caregivers play an essential role in keeping kids safe while enjoying summer activities,” says IDHS Chief of Staff Mike Garvey. “In many cases, the key to child safety is adult supervision. Adults can recognize and avoid dangers that children will be unaware of.” Mike Garvey is an EMS professional with 33 years of experience.
IDHS provides training and credentialing to all EMS personnel throughout the state, and certifies training institutions and all emergency medical transports. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure that all required medical equipment on those transport vehicles is present and properly maintained.
Safe driving around kids
When driving, pay attention and always scan the entire area around you.
Look for kids playing near the street and slow down. Children are often unpredictable and unaware of danger around them. They may dart unexpectedly into roadways.
Slow down when driving near children and other pedestrians.
Keep an eye out for crosswalks and watch for people about to step off the curb.
Neighborhood safety tips
Never allow children to walk anywhere alone, whether to the store, a friend’s house or the park.
Children should never play outside alone. Some predators may cruise neighborhoods looking for unsupervised kids. Take turns with other parents in your neighborhood or enlist a trustworthy family member to help keep an eye on children.
If your child rides bikes, roller blades, or skateboards, make sure they are always with two friends. When the friends go home, your child should go home too. Have all three children come to your house, and then escort the friends home.
Report any suspicious strangers or vehicles in the neighborhood to police immediately.
Summer activity tips
Teach kids to appreciate and respect EMS professionals, firefighters and police officers, and when and how to dial 911 in an emergency.
Always wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding, rollerskating or riding a scooter.
Always stop at STOP signs and look both ways before you cross the street.
Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from harmful sunrays.
Use care when eating foods like hotdogs, grapes and hard candy or cut them into smaller pieces to prevent choking.
Never allow unsupervised children to play near or swim in streams, pools, retention ponds or other bodies of water.
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