Seasonal Safety Tips for Kids in Canada

Spring Safety Tip: Playground Supervision

• As the weather warms up, kids and their parents flock to playgrounds. Unfortunately, 30,000 children in Canada are hurt every year on playgrounds, with 75 percent of these injuries related to falls, according to Alberta Health Services. When your kids are headed to the playground, dress them in form-fitting clothing with no scarves, drawstrings or other items that could get caught on the playground equipment. Never leave children unsupervised, and teach them playground safety etiquette such as always going down slides feet first, keeping arms and hands close to their body while swinging, and not shoving or pushing other children.

Spring Safety Tip: Cleaning Hazards

• Traditional spring cleaning is a good time to get rid of winter clutter, freshen up your home and welcome the new season. Unfortunately, many common cleaning tools -- such as sandpaper and abrasive sponges -- and cleaning chemicals are dangerous or hazardous to children. Keep all spring cleaning equipment out of the reach of your kids, and always ensure adequate ventilation when using cleaning solutions.

Summer Safety Tip: Sun Protection

• Most of your ultraviolet light exposure occurs when you are a child, warns British Columbia's HealthLink service. Children should avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest. If kids are going to be in the sun, such as during a summer soccer match or at the park, apply a 30 SPF sunscreen and have them wear protective clothing, such as pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

Summer Safety Tip: Water Guidance

• The Canadian Red Cross notes that drowning is one of the biggest causes of unintentional death in Canadian children younger than age 4. For every death, five near-drowning accidents occur in Canada. Even if you think your child can swim well, don't leave her unsupervised when she's at a pool, lake or beach. Be aware of any currents at beaches or lakes, and teach your children never to dive head-first into water.

Fall Safety Tip: Road Safety

• If your children take the bus to school, the Canada Safety Council advises that parents should teach them road safety tips such as watching out for vehicles when getting off the bus, and never crossing the road unless they are at a crosswalk. As a parent who drives, always follow any posted speed signs in school zones, and watch out for children who might run in and around school zones and bus stops.

Fall Safety Tip: Fireplace Hazards

• Fall is when many Canadian families start firing up their fireplaces, reports the B.C. Children's Hospital. Because a child's skin is four times thinner than your adult skin, they can get burns much faster than you do. Before using your fireplace this fall, put up safety gates around your fireplace to keep children from touching the fireplace, and never leave kids unattended in rooms that have a fireplace.

Winter Safety Tip: Holiday Guidance

• When celebrating the holidays, practice toy safety. Choking and similar safety problems are a big issue during this season, reports Health Canada. Keep toys with small, loose parts away from children ages 3 and younger or who still like to put toys in their mouths. As for the holiday celebrations, keep sharp decorations, candles or glass objects out of the reach of your children, and don't overload your home's electrical sockets when plugging in your Christmas tree and other holiday devices.

Winter Safety Tip: Cold Hazards

• Hockey is the Canadian winter sport, but other winter activities include sledding and skating. Always dress your children for adequate protection from the winter cold, using layers of clothing topped off with a hat and gloves. If your children are playing hockey or a similar winter sport, outfit them with a helmet -- it should be certified by the Canadian Standards Association. Meanwhile, keep sledding and similar excursions in areas that are clear of trees, rocks and other debris.