Summer safety encouraged in Southeast

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This article was published 27/07/2018 (2099 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A representative from Health Canada’s product safety program visited Steinbach this week with a safety message for children and adults heading outdoors to enjoy summer activities.

Susan Kotello met with early childhood educators and public health officials Tuesday.

Safety discussions must be part and parcel of summer routines, Kotello said, as additional safety risks accompany summer’s wide range of activities, from family beach trips to a week at camp.

Backyard swimming pools are a special treat, but Kotello noted visiting children may not be as familiar with water safety basics. Caregiver supervision is required at all times, she said, and climbable items must be kept away from pool fences.

Parents taking their children to outdoor splash parks and play structures must also be mindful of drawstrings on clothing, which can entangle playing children.

Yard games and cycling are sources of family fun, but proper protective equipment should be worn, Kotello said.

Around home, window covering cords should be kept up high or wrapped around a cord cleat. When tackling home renovation projects, materials should be covered and tools and chemicals stored securely at the end of each work day.

Summer is also a good time to dispose of broken toys, and check any that contain button-sized batteries or small magnets, which pose a choking hazard.

With smartphone use on the rise, Kotello also reminded the public to check chargers and adapters for a certification logo to reduce the risk of shock or fire.

Kotello also urged all adults to familiarize themselves with the Government of Canada’s consumer product safety page at Canada.ca, which features downloadable resources on product safety, recall databases and product alerts, and instructions for submitting a safety concern.

Health Canada’s consumer product safety program can be reached toll-free by dialing 1-866-662-0666, or by emailing cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca.