Looking Out for Florida Kids During Children’s Awareness Month

Not all that long ago, 73.7 million children under age 18 called the United States of America home. Experts have predicted that number will top 74 million this year. Of the total number, approximately 4.1 million kids less than 18 years of age live in Florida. Not only do children represent a significant portion of the population, but they represent the future. With June being Children’s Awareness Month, it is a perfect time to think about how we can protect our kids and keep them safe.

Taking advantage of information provided by local resources is a great place to start. The Florida Department of Health, Injury Prevention Section coordinates the Safe Kids Florida programs in an effort to address accidental injury to children throughout the state. According to Safe Kids Florida, accidental injury is a leading cause of death for Florida kids ages 19 and younger. The organization also estimates that one in 10 Florida children in that age group end up in the emergency room or are admitted to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries each year.

In all, there are 14 local Safe Kids coalitions covering 39 counties here. This means most Florida families with kids at risk for unintentional injuries have access to coalition programming. This includes awareness and education campaigns for parents and caregivers. It also supports preventive campaigns addressing topics such as traffic safety, water safety, fire safety, poisoning, falls prevention, and suffocation for children and youth. You can find a map of local Safe Kids Florida coalitions here.

It is also vitally important, especially in the summer months, to guard against accidental drowning. The first few days of June mark not only the start of Children’s Awareness Month, but also the unofficial start of summer. Accordingly, Children’s Home Society of Florida reminds parents and caregivers to take extra precautions in the coming months.  Keep a close eye on youngsters around outdoor hazards such as swimming pools, ocean beaches and lakes. 

Vigilance near water saves lives. Children’s Home Society of Florida also reminds adults not to take indoor safety for granted. Without adequate supervision, young children can easily drown in bathtubs, buckets and toilets. This is because they lack the strength and coordination to get out on their own.

Finally, exposure to the blistering Florida heat and humidity, as well as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes also put Florida kids at risk for accidental illness and injury.  You can help protect your children by teaching them the importance of wearing enough sunscreen and bug spray. You can also do so by teaching them about the dangers of overexertion in the heat.

Sadly, children are often injured because someone else has been careless or reckless. If your child has been a victim of such negligence, you are no doubt angry, upset, and confused. You may not know what to do, or where to turn. We are here to help, but you need to take the first step. When you are ready, call our law firm to schedule free case evaluation with a member of our experienced, local legal team.