Most parents insist that their child wear safety gear during a sports game to protect against injury, but would those same parents also insist their child wear, for example, a helmet while riding a bicycle or a life vest while boating?

But wearing safety gear is not always a consistent decision.

With this in mind, Insurance Commissioner Jim Long again joins Safe Kids North Carolina in celebrating National Safe Kids Week, April 26 - May 3. This year SKNC reminds families to “Gear Up For Safety” and make a commitment to wearing the proper safety gear anytime children are participating in playtime activities.

,“This is one time when you’ll hear me encourage people to be fashion conscious — the fashion of safety, that is,” said Commissioner Long. “It’s important that parents and kids are aware of the safety gear they should wear ...”

Commissioner Long also serves as the state chair of SKNC.

Use the following tips to get your kids geared up for safety:

• Helmets, elbow pads and knee pads should be worn when riding a bike, scooter or rollerblades.

• Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) should be worn during water sports like boating, skiing and wake boarding. Never leave a child unattended around lakes, pools and spas or at the beach.

• Reflective vests, jackets, bracelets or other reflective clothing should be worn while walking or riding bikes near roads, even on sidewalks.

• Always wear the correct protective gear for the sport during practices and games.

• Remove bike helmets and hooded jacket drawstrings while on the playground to prevent snags.