Issue date: January 14, 2001

In this article: Playing Safely Outside Careful, It's Hot! Seat Bealts Water Safety Don't Talk to Stangers! Riding Fun	Helmets Don't Play with Guns! Climbing Safety Household Poisons For Parents Our Contributors
Sources for this article

I am a very cautious cat.    I want to explain about safety     And smart things you do       For that. Safety is important   And safety can be fun.     Learning simple safety rules   Can help us, everyone.

Playing outside Is loads of fun, Throwing a baseball Or enjoying the sun. Frisbees and skateboards And jump-ropes are neat, But always remember: Stay out of the street! Stick to the playground With friends and toys; The streets are not safe For girls and boys.

Stand clear of hot things! Be careful what you touch! Hot things (even water) Can hurt you very much. Now, kids, listen closely. I'll give you a tip: Seat belts keep you safe On every road trip. Sometimes seat belts Are not fun to wear, But when grown-ups say,   "Buckle-up!" It means they care!

Water is helpful For washing our faces, For cleaning our ears And all kinds of places. It's fun to make water Into cold lemonade. And it's fun to splash water Or go in for a wade! But you must be careful When you're near any water. Only play in pools and lakes Watched by Mother or Father.	Don't talk to strangers No matter what they say! Even if they are friendly, Always stay away. If a stranger does talk to you -- or any other kid -- Find a grown-up you know And tell what he did.
Scooters and skateboards And wagons and sleds Are all fun to ride, kids -- But don't bump your heads! They all go real fast And sometimes it's tough To make them slow down. (That's when it gets rough!) Don't ride them in places You're likely to fall. On streets and in car lots Don't ride there at all!	One fun way To play outside Is to put on your helmet, Take your bike for a ride. Helmets come in all sizes So find one that fits. If a friend rides without one His head might do splits! Some grown-ups go hunting For food or for fun. In order to do this, They might own a gun. But guns are not playthings To handle or show. If ever you see one Let a grown-up know!
Hey, Jacks. Hey, Jills: Watch out for those hills, Stairs, windows and ladders. Don't climb up too high. If you fell, you would cry. And that is no laughing matter!	Most houses have places Where cleaners are stored. They keep our homes tidy And help with our chores. Houses have cabinets Where medicines are found (Mom and Dad bought them From a drugstorein town.) Smart children don't play there. They leave things alone. They play with good games And other things that they own!

The serious reasons behind the fun rules

Safety Rule #1: Children have difficulty judging distances and the speed of passing cars. Accidents occur in streets, parking lots, even driveways. Children should use recreational areas away from traffic.

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Sources for this article

Data Book of Child and Adolescent Injury
Prepared by Children's Safety Network

Child Health USA 92
United States Dept. of Health and Human Services

Physician's Resource Guide for Bicycle Safety Education TIPP (The Injury Prevention Program)
American Academy of Pediatrics

National Safety Council
Washington, D.C.