SAFETY REMINDERS FOR GRANDPARENTS THIS SUMMER

Writer / Renee Oswalt, Childbirth Educator at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided

With the summer finally here and kids out of school, grandkids have more time to spend with their grandparents. Though many activities are fun, there can also be potential dangers. With that being said, it is important to know what to look out for while watching your grandchildren this summer.

Car Seats

According to the Indiana State Police, in Indiana all children under the age of 8 must be properly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat, according to the child restraint system manufacturer’s instructions. All car seats are different, so it is best to read the instruction manual and go to a local inspection station.

Medications

Make sure you know your grandchild’s medical history, so you know if they need to take any medications and in case the child experiences a medical emergency while in your care. If so, know how much and how frequently to provide the dose. Children aged 12 and under should not be given aspirin since it is connected to Reye syndrome, an illness that causes nausea, vomiting and behavioral changes, and also often requires treatment in a hospital. Medications should always be out of reach and out of sight of children, or stored in child-resistant containers. It is important to keep your purse or backpack away from grandchildren as well, because medications may be kept there.

Helmets

Whenever your grandkid is on a bike, skateboard, rip stick or other toy, make sure they are wearing a helmet to prevent serious injury. It is recommended that children use helmets while riding bicycles to reduce the likelihood of head trauma, including traumatic brain injury and related consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is important for kids to wear helmets until they are at least 16 years old.

Water

Children are curious and drawn to water. Keep small children safe from any open water. Even a cooler with melted ice can be a hazard to a toddler.

Avoiding Small Objects

A good rule of thumb is that if it can go through a toilet paper roll, it is a choking hazard. Small button-shaped batteries, like those used for hearing aids, can cause severe damage if swallowed, inhaled or put up a child’s nose. These items can cause life-threatening chemical burns as well.

Backyards And Garages

Inspect your backyard for anything hazardous or poisonous. Keep the grandchildren out of the yard when you are mowing the lawn. Never let children ride on a lawnmower with you. Garages can have garden chemicals, auto products, pesticides and tools. Make sure to keep them in a locked cabinet and out of reach.

Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman Photography Provided

One of the questions I am frequently asked is: What can you tell me about home warranties?

A home warranty is like health insurance for your home’s working systems. It provides discounted repair costs and, depending on the coverage, replacement costs on the mechanical items in your home (furnace, air conditioning, water softener, etcetera). Some providers also cover appliances and even swimming pools.

Obtaining one is simple. Call a provider, discuss coverage needs and agree to a plan. The payment amount depends on the provider and the coverage, and it can be paid in one lump sum or monthly. When you have a repair need for an item covered in your plan, call your provider and they will arrange for a contractor to assess your situation. You pay a service fee for the call and, if a repair or replacement is needed, the warranty provider covers that according to the terms of the plan. It is indeed that simple.

Here is a tidbit that may surprise you: You can get a home warranty if you recently purchased your home or if you have lived in it for years. “The likelihood of failure of major home systems and/or appliances in a given year is 68%,” says Heather MacLaughlin with Choice Home Warranty. To me, those odds make sense to justify getting a little peace of mind. “It is important to know that warranties don’t cover known preexisting conditions, misuse or abuse of the covered systems or appliances,” MacLaughlin adds. So basically, keep up on maintenance.

For me personally, I have had coverage with various companies throughout my years of homeownership. They are not all the same, and I looked for the best option for me based on the coverage I wanted. Through the years my coverage has more than paid for itself and, given the rising costs of everything, this might be an avenue for you to explore that could save you a lot of money down the road.