FCCS Wants You to be SAFE and SEEN this Summer

TED E. BEAR SUMMER SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR FAMILIES

Franklin County Children Services wants you to be SAFE & SEEN. Help FCCS keep kids safer this summer with these quick and easy tips for the summer season:


NIGHTTIME & VISIBILITY ("SAFE AND SEEN")

  • Gear Up: Attach your "Safe and Seen" reflective keychains to backpacks and place reflective stickers on shoes or clothing.
  • Wear Wristbands: Put reflective wristbands on both arms so drivers can see your child from any angle.
  • Face Traffic: Teach kids to walk on sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, always walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
  • Bring Backup Light: Give children a small flashlight or headlamp to carry after sunset.
  • Unplug While Walking: Remind kids to take out earbuds and put away cell phones when crossing roads at night.

 

WATER & POOL SAFETY

  • Designate a Water Watcher: Ensure a responsible adult is actively watching the water at all times without distractions (no phones or reading).
  • Wear Approved Life Jackets: Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests for young or inexperienced swimmers. Avoid relying on inflatable "swimmies."
  • Secure the Pool Area: Check that backyard pool gates are closed, locked, and have a 4-foot fence surrounding them.
  • Feet First: Remind children to enter unfamiliar water feet first to avoid diving into shallow or rocky areas.

 

HEAT & SUN PROTECTION

  • Apply Sunscreen: Slather on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
  • Set a Reapply Timer: Set a phone alarm to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours (or every hour if swimming or sweating).
  • Mandatory Water Breaks: Make children stop and drink water every 20 minutes, even if they claim they aren't thirsty.
  • Check the Back Seat: Never leave a child or pet in a parked car for any amount of time. Always "look before you lock."

 

WHEELS & HELMETS

  • Two-Finger Helmet Rule: Make sure helmets sit flat on the head, resting two fingers above the eyebrows. Straps should form a "V" under the ears.
  • Bright Bikes: Place reflective stickers on bicycle frames, handlebars, and wheel spokes.
  • Follow Road Rules: Teach children to stop at all intersections and look left, right, and left again before crossing.

 

BUGS & TICKS

  • Apply Repellent: Use an EPA-approved bug spray containing DEET or picaridin before heading into parks or woods.
  • Do a Tick Check: Perform a full-body check on your children (especially hair, waistband, and behind ears) every evening.

 

EMERGENCY QUICK REFERENCE

  • Emergency Services: 911
  • Franklin County Children Services 24/7 Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 614-229-7000
  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

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