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See

Visibility and safety go hand in hand. Use these tips to be certain you're able to clearly see potential trouble spots.

• Go fly a kite, carefully. A Sunday afternoon launching kites with the kids or moving a metal ladder to clear gutters can turn dangerous if the object contacts an overhead power line. Be aware of your surroundings and adapt accordingly.
• Pretend you're a thief. Laptops, cameras and your child's handheld electronic gadgets are eye candy to parking-lot prowlers. When you stop at a restaurant on those long vacation drives, lock all valuables in the trunk. Always take a second look inside your car before you walk away. Would thieves see temptations?
• Stock up for summer blackouts. When storms knock out power, skip the candles and opt for flashlights to avoid fire hazards. Slip mini flashlights into drawers in your most-used rooms so you can safely navigate your way to your home emergency kit, which should be stocked with long-lasting LED flashlights or a room-illuminating fluorescent lantern.
• Ensure a clear view. Check your vehicle's mirrors every time you get behind the wheel. A person walking by in the parking lot may have brushed against a side mirror (or your daughter might have used one to check her makeup), throwing it out of position. Also remove dangling parking placards, air fresheners or mementos hanging from the rearview mirror; they can create a blind spot when driving.
• Banish fog. You can't drive if you can't see. As soon as summer humidity begins to cause condensation on the inside of the windshield, turn on the defroster and crack a window. If condensation covers a window, use the air conditioner to dry the air.
• Spot hidden dangers at home. Never assume that your family members know your house well enough to navigate it in the dark. Toys, magazines and baseball equipment left on the floor can trip anyone up. Avoid falls by using night-lights, and make sure you have light switches at the tops and bottoms of stairs.
• Take on a child's perspective. Get on your knees and crawl around to see your home through a youngster's eyes. Correct potential hazards by, for example, putting safety covers over unused electrical outlets. And remember that there's no substitute for close adult supervision. You should be able to see, hear and track what your kids are doing at all times.

Be Seen

Is danger heading your way? Make sure you stand out when it really matters with these safety reminders.

• Spotlight your family's address. Seconds count when emergency crews are trying to reach your home. Scope out your house numbers from the curb to make sure they're large enough to be seen easily and aren't obscured by branches or outdoor decorations. You also may want to consider numbers that are reflective.
• Post clear info for babysitters. Are you sure sitters know your address to give to 911 personnel in an emergency? Display it -- and your home's phone number -- near a centrally located phone so it's always visible.
• Stand out on water skis. Before setting sail with your family, know the rules at the lake you're on. Some require boaters to display bright red or orange flags to signal that a skier is down or preparing to take off.
• Think bright on bikes. When tooling around on bikes and trikes, remember that you and your children likely aren't as visible as you assume you are. Put on reflective vests to send an easy-to-spot signal to drivers. Reflective tape can easily turn T-shirts into safety wear too. Even during the day, reflective gear is a must.
• Get hitched for the long haul. When hooking up a trailer to move something to or from home, test its brake lights and turn signals to make sure all connections are sound before you pull out. Attach Day-Glo safety flags to oversize loads, and go slow.
• Look official when you rule the pool. Adult supervision is a must whenever kids use the backyard pool. Set up shifts if necessary, and give the "lifeguard" a neck lanyard to wear as a tangible reminder that he or she is on duty.