One popular vacation destination families look forward to is going to a theme park. If your family is headed to one of these parks, it helps to be aware of the following theme park safety tips. This can enable your family to have a great time and worry less about someone being injured or lost.

Before heading out to your favorite theme park, it is important to think about your family’s safety. Not only do you need to be concerned about safety, but you’ll also want to think about general first aid and knowing what to do should someone in your family get hurt.

Of course, theme parks should be able to contact 911 if there is an emergency, but it always helps to be prepared on your own.

You may want to put together a backpack with things you’ll need for the day. If someone in your family is taking medication, be sure to include their medication in your day pack. Snacks are also necessary if anyone in your family is diabetic or hypoglycemic.

You can also expect the children to ask for snacks throughout the day. Staying hydrated is important as well, so you’ll want to carry several bottles of water with you.

A general first aid kit is also a good thing to take with you. At the very least you’ll want to have a number of bandages in different sizes, as well as an antibiotic cream in case someone gets a minor cut or scrape. If someone needs more serious medical attention, get help from the park staff.

Having a two-way radio for family members may also be a good idea. This will allow members to visit different rides or shows and still be able to find each other when necessary. Of course, you’ll want to keep young children with you, but older children will appreciate having a little freedom. Plan regular check-ins to ensure everyone is alright.

With the concern about people traveling while sick and spreading germs where they go, you may want to keep a supply of baby or hand wipes with you. These can be used for more than cleaning your hands. You can use them to wash off a table before eating and wiping down the handles in restrooms.

Sunscreen is another item you’ll want to carry with you and use throughout the day. Normally it is recommended that sunscreen be reapplied every two hours while you’re outdoors. However, if it’s particularly hot and everyone is sweaty, you’ll want to reapply sunscreen more often.

Plan for emergencies; no matter how the weather looks when you arrive at a theme park that doesn’t mean it will stay clear. Talk about where you’ll meet in case there is a fire or serious weather conditions. By having a plan in case of an emergency you’ll be able to meet at a set place and remain there until all family members have arrived.

Tell your children who they are allowed to talk to in order to get help. Park employees will be easy to recognize. Suggest your children contact only employees of the park in case they are separated from you. They will be able to take your child to a secure location and ensure you are reunited.

Finally, when thinking about theme park safety tips, remember to follow all rules which are posted in the park. Remain seated on all rides and keep hands inside the rides. If everyone in your family follows the posted safety rules you can ensure your entire family will enjoy their day.