Vacation season is here. And whether you are ready to go on Spring Break or are waiting until school is out for summer, your kids can be just as excited as you are.
To ensure your vacation does not end with a trip to the hospital, parents should be mindful of the following potential hazards.
At a short-term rental
Short-term rentals can be a good way to save money and stay in some interesting homes. However, whether you go through a company like Airbnb or an individual, there could be threats to your safety.
If your rental is in a neighborhood or apartment building, you could come across a neighbor’s pet who does not know you. To avoid attacks or bites, parents should keep their kids away from these and other potentially dangerous animals.
You might also run into issues with a negligent property owner. Be aware of hazards like:
- Broken stairs
- Faulty electrical work
- Unguarded windows
- Slippery walkways
Near a pool
It does not matter if your child can swim or not. Parents must be cautious when children are around a pool.
To avoid a drowning accident, parents should:
- Supervise kids at the pool, even if there is a lifeguard on duty.
- Have your child use flotation devices.
- Stop kids from running around the pool.
- Stop kids from diving in shallow water.
Pool owners also have a duty to ensure a pool is safe, including properly maintaining the pool and having fencing or other barriers to prevent a child from getting near the pool without an adult.
In a hotel
For kids, staying at a hotel can be the most exciting part of a trip. Often, they like to explore and take advantage of amenities, so parents need to be on alert for safety hazards.
To keep kids safe in a hotel, parents can:
- Make sure balcony doors are locked.
- Put down towels on the bathroom floor to prevent slipping.
- Check out common areas where the children may want to go to make sure it is safe.
- Familiarize yourself with security measures like locks, key card access and security guards.
This article has other suggestions for how to keep kids safe at a hotel.
Vacations should be fun and relaxing. However, accidents can happen – especially when you are with children. Being aware of common hazards, and taking steps to avoid them can make it easier to enjoy your time away.