Children’s Home Society of Florida offers more guides and coaches to keep kids safe

Orlando, Fla. (June 18, 2018) – Florida families have access to 30,000 lakes, 1,350 miles of coastline, and more than 25,000 acres of world-renowned sunny theme parks. And while summer offers families more time to bond, play and enjoy all the sunshine state has to offer, Children’s Home Society of Florida reminds parents to exercise caution with sun, heat and water exposure.

On average, children under 4 year-old are at the greatest risk of heat-related illnesses and drowning – drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children. It is important for parents to know and avoid the dangers of water and sun activities. Here are five ways to help to keep kids healthy, happy and safe from harm this summer:

  1. Staying hydrated can help protect children from heat stroke and seizure. Be alert for signs of heat-related illnesses including dizziness, nausea, fatigue and dry lips.
  2. Take a break and rest whenever you need to especially if you’re in the sun for long periods of time. Encourage kids to rest in air-conditioning or shade every couple of hours to avoid extreme temperatures.
  3. Children are more vulnerable to sun damage – wear sunscreen and reapply as needed, find shade when you can and cover up with light or sun-protective clothing to avoid heat and sun burn.
  4. The CDC recently reported that illnesses from tick, mosquito, and flea bites have tripled over the past several years. Use bug repellent to protect against tick and mosquito-borne illnesses including Lyme disease and Zika. The AAP recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children.
  5. Always, always, always watch children around water. Florida offers a variety of fun summer water activities with pools, lakes and oceans, but in addition to outdoor water safety caregivers should keep a vigil eye on in-home hazards like bath tubs, buckets and toilets. Children under 3-years old can fall headfirst into water and lack the strength to pull themselves out.

Children’s Home Society of Florida believes parents are their child’s greatest resources. But for some – like those struggling without a strong support system, working double shifts or living in areas of high crime and violence, everyday risks can become more pronounced. Summer provides a great opportunity to educate more parents about their own opportunities to grow, find support and realize their full potential.

By building on parents’ strengths, CHS’ local guides and coaches work hand-in-hand to empower more than 12,000 families each year in Central Florida. From proven programs – like Early Head Start and Healthy Families – that partner with parents to our recognized counseling services, CHS leads the way in building strong, stable families.

Children’s Home Society of Florida offers Early Head Start in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. The organization offers Healthy Families in Seminole County.

About Children’s Home Society of Florida

On the front lines since 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide organization devoted to helping children and families. Children’s Home Society of Florida serves more than 50,000 children and family members throughout the state each year. More: www.chsfl.org.