School’s out for the summer, which means many children will spend their time outdoors. With the arrival of summer, the number of juvenile injuries increases, said Robin Montalbano, director of emergency services at Highland Community Hospital. In order to prevent fatal accidents, the hospital plans to raise awareness about summertime safety.

On Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to noon the hospital will host their third annual Summer Safety Fair near the emergency room parking lot to educate families on ways to stay safe this summer.

Montalbano said the free event is called “Time out for Kidz” and aims to reduce the number of pediatric injuries and fatalities, especially during the summer season.

“We see a rise in pediatric injuries at the hospital during the summer,” Montalbano said. “Summer is a time when kids are out of school and have a lot of idle time and it’s difficult for parents who work to look out for them sometimes.”

Montalbano said their emergency room deals with serious and sometimes fatal cases in the summer concerning children who were accidentally poisoned, involved in a bike-related accident, drowned or nearly drowned.

During the event, numerous emergency and hospital personnel will be available to educate families on ways to prevent serious accidents.

The Picayune Police Department and Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department will provide free fingerprinting and a lesson on gun safety. Representatives from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, Pearl River County SPCA, Mississippi Power and the Crosby Arboretum will also be in attendance, Montalbano said.

Children can also get their face painted, eat cotton candy and view several emergency response vehicles, including a helicopter and a fire engine.

Attendees can also register to win swim aids like inflatable armbands, bicycles and helmets.

“If this event prevents one child from being injured or dying it’s worth it,” Montalbano said.

If anyone is interested in participating in the event or donating a bicycle, contact Montalbano at (601) 358-9595 or (601) 337-3713.