Annual Safe Summer Expo prepares kids for injury-free summer

Students are counting down the days to the end of the school year. While that means fun outside activities for them, it can also mean injuries that lead to a trip to the emergency room. The annual Safe Summer Injury Prevention Expo for kids and families highlights the common injuries children suffer during the summer months: water-related, bicycle and other wheeled sports, and pedestrian injuries.

Safe Summer, organized by Cox Medical Center Branson is Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dewey Short Visitor Center, 4500 State Hwy 165. It’s free to attend. Families will learn camping, water and other outdoor safety tips. They’ll have the opportunity to explore safety vehicles, have experts check car seats, and receive a free life jacket and bike helmet, while supplies last.

Keeping children safe during the summer months starts with educating parents too. “We want our children to live to their full potential by keeping them safe and secure,” explains nurse Angeline Hein, Cox Medical Center Branson. “Parents play a large role in protecting their children from some of the top summertime risks. Some quick tips families should follow include actively supervising children during activities, using correct safety gear, and leading by example.”

Sponsors and participants include 360 Emergency Services, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Branson Fire & Rescue, City of Branson Public Works Department, CoxHealth (Air Care, Care Mobile, Hospitals and clinics, Pre-Hospital Services and Trauma Services), Missouri Department of Conservation, Ozarks Wellness Network, Ozarks Chapter ENA, Taney County Ambulance District, Taney County Health Department, Taney County Sheriff’s Department (D.A.R.E), Triple C Entertainment, Trudi’s Kids (Jordan Valley Community Health Center), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Weiser Tent Service.

For more information about Safe Summer, call 417/269-INFO (toll free, 1-800-818-5239).