UL Urges Parents to Help Reduce 2.3 Million Childhood ER Visits This Summer
New Survey Reveals Nearly Half of Parents Admit to Not Making Backyard Safety Improvements in the Past Year
NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — With the unofficial kickoff to summer vacation fast approaching, many families are taking ‘staycations’ to save money and keep close to home. That means a growing number of parents are considering their backyards as a place to enjoy time with friends, families and neighbors. But while you barbecue, splash in the pool or watch the kids play tag around the play set, it is also important to remember that these summertime activities are known to send 2.3 million kids to the emergency room each year(1).
According to a recent survey from UL (Underwriters Laboratories), the independent global safety organization, while children less than 12 years old spend an average of 4.4 hours per day outside during June, July and August(2-8), nearly half (45 percent)(2-8) of parents surveyed have not made safety improvements outside of their home within the past year. The survey also revealed that one out of every four parents place grills close to their house(2-8), allow children to play on play sets without supervision(2-8), or have left water sitting in their kiddie pools overnight(2-8).
In addition, while 85 percent of parents admit that their grills are the most popular outdoor item used as part of their staycation activities(2-8), only 19 percent believe that grills could be the most potentially hazardous backyard item if not used correctly(2-8).
This summer, UL is urging families to make backyard safety a priority. UL reminds parents to take precautions to help avoid both sudden hospital visits or being involved in one of the 7,500 fires caused by grilling mishaps that attract local fire departments each year(9).
“It’s so important to have a ‘safety first attitude’ when entertaining on a summer day or having a pool party with their kids and their friends,” says John Drengenberg, UL’s Consumer Safety Director. ”Even though everyone wants to rush right into fun and sun, we all need to commit a few minutes to safety by inspecting the backyard and minimizing potential safety hazards. Nothing can be more tragic when avoidable accidents suddenly overshadow rest and recreation.”
To help parents and caretakers put safety first this summer and avoid potential hazards around grills, pools, outdoor fire pits and play sets, Drengenberg advises to commit a few minutes to safety by inspecting the backyard and minimizing potential safety hazards before
Article source: PRNewswire
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