The summer months bring about many hazards for those we are sworn to protect. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, summer is THE most dangerous time of the year for kids. Due to school being out, the summer months normally mean there’s more time for children to spend outdoors without adequate supervision. This situation often leads to more injuries and deaths in children.

I encourage fire safety educators to seek out opportunities to educate their citizens during the summer months, and include some seasonal topics. The summer months are a great time to shift gears from traditional school-based programs to a more non-traditional teaching style. Try holding classes at the library, area pools, and community centers. Consider including information on seasonal topics pertinent to the summer months. A sample list of topics follows.

1. Barbecues

In 1998, there were 6,100 reported fires involving gas and charcoal grills in the United States. Keep in mind, the reported number may be lower than the actual number of fires that really occurred. Supervision is a key element in the area of the barbecue. Children need to be reminded to stay clear of barbecues that are in use, and should be refreshed on the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" behavior in the event that their clothes catch fire. Adults should be reminded 1) to leave space on all sides of the barbecue to keep the radiant heat from spreading to siding or other combustibles; and 2) grilling in enclosed areas such as garages should be avoided due to a possible carbon monoxide buildup.

2. Fireworks

The safest suggestion for fireworks is to leave them in the hands of the professionals. Enjoy a public fireworks display from a distance of at least 500 feet away. Never let children handle or light fireworks, not even sparklers. Many people tend to think that sparklers aren’t dangerous since they do not shoot or give a loud report; however the flaming end of the sparkler burns at over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Camping

Encourage the use of flame-retardant tents, and show the labeling to look for that indicates that the tent is flame-retardant. The tent should be set up away from the campfire, and the campfire should be completely extinguished when going to bed or leaving the campsite. The campfire area should be cleared of combustibles, with buckets of water and shovels on hand in case of problems. Only flashlights or battery-operated lanterns should be taken inside the tent at night.

4. Bicycling

We should let our audience know that bright colored clothing shows up best when riding, and a properly fitted bike helmet can reduce the chance of serious head injuries by 85%. Check your bike "A,B,C’s" before heading out – Air in the tires, Brakes, and Chain riding in the sprocket. Review hand signals, ride in the direction of traffic and Stop and look left, right, then left again before heading out from an intersection.

5. Vehicles

Children should ride in safety as they head out this summer. Safety belts, booster seats and child seats should be used as necessary. Have the adults find out where to go to get their child and booster seats checked by a technician to see if they have been installed properly. Remind your audience to pull to the right and stop for lights and sirens.

6. Lawn mowers

If cutting the grass is on your summertime list, then dress the part. This includes long pants and heavy-duty shoes. Daytime is best for the chore, and dry grass makes the job go better. The area should be cleared before starting up the lawn mower, and a visual inspection should take place every time you mow. The visual inspection should include checking settings, inspecting bolts and cables, and making sure the gas tank is full before starting the mower.

7. Pools

Here also, supervision is the key. Always swim with a buddy, and make sure a telephone is nearby in case an emergency call must be made. Many groups offer swimming classes, and children should be encouraged to learn to swim proficiently. The backyard pool should be fenced in to keep neighborhood toddlers from accidentally falling in. Life rings and long-handled items should be kept by all pools to reach those in trouble.

8. Boating

Simply put, when going on a boat, wear your "boat coat" – a properly fitted life preserver! Plan for emergencies in advance by taking along a radio, telephone, first aid kit and fire extinguisher.

9. Sunny weather

When the mercury rises, we must take extra precautions when going outside. Sunblock of at least SPF 15 should be used on children going out in the sun. Have kids wear a hat with a wide brim to protect their faces, and look for shatterproof UV sunglasses for them to wear outside.

10. Lightning

Two-thirds of all lightning strikes happen in June, July, and August. When outdoors and you hear thunder, take shelter. Get away from water, avoid open spaces, hilltops, tall trees, and wire fences. If inside, stay away from open doors and windows and don’t use the telephone.