Tag Archives: child safety

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

CHILD SAFETY DURING HOME IMPROVEMENTS (GUEST POST)

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If your home is undergoing major renovations, it’s not always possible to simply keep the kids away until the job is done. For that reason, there are a few safety practices that every parent should be aware of during home improvements.

1. Talk to your kids about the project

If your kids are old enough, a quick conversation about the project can be enough to prevent most accidents. Talk about any potential dangers from the project, including breathing dust, falling debris. or even just being underfoot when workers are busy. Set clear rules for behavior during the project, and explain why those rules are necessary for safety.

2. Separate the work zone from the rest of the house as much as possible

One of the best rules you can make for kids is simply to stay away from the work zone. This may be more difficult if you’re remodeling your kitchen, but in most cases you can cordon off the zone and make it “off-limits”. Not only will this protect your kids from the dangers in the work zone, it’ll also reduce the likelihood of workers bringing other hazards out of the work zone (spare nails, tacks, shards of tile or masonry, etc.)

3. Ask contractors about their safety practices

If you’ve hired a contractor to perform your renovations, be sure to have a conversation about safety practices before you sign. Find out who the supervisor on site will be, and what kind of insurance the contractor carries. It might go without saying, but you should never hire a contractor who isn’t licensed and accredited—because holding them accountable in the event of negligence or breach of contract will be a lot more challenging.

4. Double-check for construction and demolition waste

When the project is over, clean the area thoroughly. Dust, paint fumes, and other potential toxins and allergens can linger if the area isn’t properly wiped down. (This can be especially problematic for toddlers, who are more inclined to contact walls and floor with their hands and mouth.) Also be on the lookout for large debris that can have jagged edges, as well as exposed nails or carpet tack strips.

5. Don’t forget to restore any childproofing

Be sure to check your childproofing and replace it if necessary.  Especially if you’ve had a kitchen or bathroom remodeled, the chemicals under your kitchen sink and bath vanity may not be secured against small children after a project. It’s a small detail, but too often overlooked. Also, make sure any child locks on doorknobs are still present and intact—they’ll be in the line of fire if heavy objects are being carried in and out of the house, and usually aren’t robust enough to take much of a beating.

 

Mike Freiberg is a staff writer for HomeDaddys, a resource for stay-at-home dads, work-at-home dads, and everything in between. He’s a handyman, an amateur astronomer, and a tech junkie, who loves being home with his two kids. He lives in Austin.

 

General Safety Issues

HOW TO MAKE TRIPS SAFE FOR YOUR CHILDREN (GUEST POST)

When summer comes people start planning to camp outside with the entire family. Many parents are in dilemma thinking about the kids. Well, that is the problem with no problem actually. It is true that camping or travelling with the family is fun at any age but there should always be the first place for the children, and it has to be when they are little. Plus, such experiences are good ways to keep the family relieved from the daily routine and its stresses. So, there is nothing to worry about if the preparations are made wisely.

Planning and Playing It Out First

Planning out any trip, with or without the children, is certainly the first step to go through. If the trip includes camping, make sure to invest in camps that are just suitable for your family and its members, rather than listening to anyone else. If it is camping outside, children should be taught how to stay and sleep inside tents first. It can be turned into a play by putting up a tent in the backyard and letting the whole family stay there for nights to have fun with lessons. Teaching children how to keep their things organized in camps is also the necessary thing to be done.

Taking All the Safety Measures

Camping and outdoor trips may often include things that children do not usually come across in their day-to-day lives. For instance, the idea of how the fire is lit and what to do around it can be gotten during the trip. Still, kids should be taught to basic safety rules. Tips like keeping a bucket of water near the fire ring, as well as not going anywhere or eating anything unknown are to be imprinted in their minds.

Being Prepared for Any Accidents

Of course, parents will be cautious all the time to keep their children out of danger, but accidents are something that happens unexpectedly. So, besides not letting the children go out of sight, parents should ensure that all kids have their own flashlights and whistles. The code for help using whistles is three blows and it is universally accepted. Besides these precautions, there should always be a first-aid kit of the visiting family’s own to be used for injuries. Never take minor cuts and wounds lightly since out in the forest or in the mountains it can be even life threatening.

Making Sure They Learn From It

A trip is all about fun but it should provide children with some valuable lessons about life, nature, doing things by their own. Since it is an extra-ordinary situation, things learned from such trips exist forever. From keeping things tidy to collecting firewood, cooking and cleaning outside to keeping a journal to learning to cope with the nature – all these skills  are no way to be learned within any urban setting. So, parents can make trips both safe and interesting for the kids so that they will cherish memories about them forever.

Post by Linda Waters. Blogger, marketing executive at mspy.fr. Writes on cutting-edge mobile apps, cell phone tracking software and their benefits for families and businesses.

General Safety Issues

TOP TWENTY-FIVE SAFETY ARTICLES FOR WEEK MARCH 22 (GUEST POST)

Erin Raub, of Safe Sound Family’s Weekly Roundup, notified us that we had made the top twenty-five list of safety articles for the weeks of March 15, and 22nd.  We appreciate having our articles chosen, and want to give our guest authors a big pat on the back!  Below is the latest list:

Home Safety

  1. If you have little ones at home, Alison at KidSafe has an excellent home safety cheat sheet (overview), complete with babyproofing advice that even seasoned parents can overlook.
  2. Raise your hand if you love Q&A sessions. Rachel from the Culture of Safety blog answers six reader questions this week. Pop Quiz: Can you get burned by tap water?
  3. We do a lot to protect our families and homes, but here’s something that’s easily overlooked: Have you made an inventory of your possessions? That list can be indispensable in the case of theft.

Family & Child Safety

  1. What’s one surefire way to boost your immune system? Get enough sleep. Most adults need 6-8 hours, and kids need more.
  2. If you know someone who just doesn’t “get” the effects (and dangers) of cyberbullying, send them over to iKeepSafe to read Katie’s post on bullying in the digital age.
  3. And, yes! Here’s an uplifting story: Lenore of Free Range Kids recounts a tale of two kids (ages 9 and 10) who saved a baby’s life. This is what heroes look like, readers.
  4. The news is full of the “fear factor,” but Kenny’s post at Blog4Safety debunks some common safety myths. Click on over to discover 20 things that are statistically safer than you think.
  5. This is almost the flip-side of the above list, but the Compliance and Safety blog shares a great infographic of 20 surprising dangers. If they weren’t dangerous, some would be almost funny. (e.g. You’re more likely to die by collapsing sandcastle than get eaten by a shark!)
  6. Caroline of Common Sense Media has some practical (read: realistic, finally!) advice about children and screen time. Because you know you let your kid watch TV.
  7. Back in my day, we plastered Mr. Yuck! stickers everywhere, but parents today can count on Jacque’s excellent post on poison prevention at Baby Product Experts.
  8. And finally, since your pets are definitely an important part of the family, PetSafe gets real about how to introduce a new cat to your household.

Food Safety

Food safety topics kept popping up this week, so they’re getting their own category! 

  1. Casey at Moms Rising summarizes a recent study linking sugar to diabetes, and encourages parents to play whack-a-mole with our kids sugary snacks.
  2. Also from Moms Rising, Debbie wrote a powerful and heartfelt post this week on junk food, school, and how hard it is today to watch what our kids eat. Read the whole post for a happy ending!
  3. Monifa, again of Moms Rising (I just can’t help it, they’re on fire this week!), explains that black children are at greater risk of childhood obesity. And she encourages all parents to sign the petition to support Junk Free Schools.
  4. Speaking of sugar and health, Consumer Reports has a scary statistic for you: soda and sugary drinks have been linked to 180,000 deaths per year.
  5. And here’s one that will strike close to home for anyone with a picky eater: evidence suggests a link between the Standard American Diet and behavior problems, like hyperactivity and sleep issues.

Mobile & Cyber Safety

  1. Hackers are getting sneakier, and meaner and more detailed. And, increasingly, hackers are targeting small businesses. WeLiveSecurity talks about keeping your customer information safe.
  2. Michael Levine and Christopher Ferguson cross-post to SafeKids and discuss whether video games influence youth violence. You might be surprised at their answer.
  3. Nikki posts to the iKeepSafe blog about passwords, specifically on how to create hacker-resistant passwords.
  4. Tim of uKnowKids is one of my favorite safety bloggers, and for good reason: his posts are always excellent – rich and meaty. This week, he gives us some great tips on how to talk to teens about sexting. Way to tackle a sensitive topic!
  5. Just one more from Tim, because it’s also important: read up on his recommended digital safety rules for every household. I love that he differentiates trust in your child from trust in everything available online. That’s an important distinction.
  6. Heads up, there’s another email scam on the loose. WeLiveSecurity clues us in to a link scam that masquerades as current events (in this case, Cyprus and its financial crisis).
  7. And here’s another timely warning; Robert Siciliano of McAfee warns about tax-time scams. Think about it: millions of Americans filing taxes + private banking and financial data + a prevalence of online tax software/advice/filing = a dream cocktail for hackers and scammers.

Senior Safety

  1. Susan of Help! Aging Parents reminds us that aging bathrooms are not the best choice for aging parents. Even small changes can make a big difference in your parents’ quality of life.

Work Safety

  1. As I sit here in my brand new desk chair, I can’t help but nod in agreement: Joe guest posts on Blog4Safety about why ergonomics matter so much, especially for office furniture.
General Safety Issues

SAFETY RULES EVERY PARENT SHOULD FOLLOW (GUEST POST)

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Many parents believe they are doing all they can to keep their kids safe, but with safety recommendations and standards always changing, it can be hard to keep up with what’s safe and what’s not.  Here we’ve gathered 100 of the most important safety rules parents should follow to keep their kids safe and out of danger’s path.

In the House

While there’s no replacement for supervision, there are things you can do to decrease the number of risks that contribute to accidents and injuries in your home. Follow these rules to increase your child’s safety while at home.

    Signup for recall alerts. Stay up-to-date on child-related product recalls by subscribing to the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall alerts

    Turn the water temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot water can scald children. By turning the water temperature thermostat down you can prevent scalds and burns

    Store medications properly. Store medications out of reach and sight to prevent accidental ingestions

    Use the right safety gates. While pressure mounted gates may work fine to keep kids confined to a room, they have no place at the top of stairs

    Safety proof windows. Children needlessly fall out of windows each year. Be sure to add window guards or locks to your windows to be sure your child isn’t one of them

    Choose appropriate toys. Choose age-appropriate toys to reduce the risk of injury to your child.

    Opt for a pet that is good with kids. When considering a family pet, you’ll want to be sure to select a pet whose temperament makes it kid-friendly.

    Clean toys without harsh chemicals. Clean children’s toys naturally to prevent the spread of germs and decrease risks associated with toxic cleaners.

    Store cleaners away from kids. Store toxic chemicals and cleaners out of the reach and sight of children to prevent accidental poisoning and chemical burns

    Be sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. The proper placement of working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors can alert family members of a fire and prevent children from experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning

General Safety Issues

THINKING ABOUT A NEW CAREER?

Nanny Conference and Nanny Schools
This article was sent to us by Martina Keyhill at  http://www.becomeananny.com/blog/nanny-conference-and-nanny-schools/.
Our thanks to Martina for sharing a vocation that many persons would love to learn. pb

Whether you are thinking about becoming a nanny or have been a nanny for several years, there is always something new to learn about caring for children and working as a nanny. A quality nanny training program can help increase care giving skills, foster professional development and build confidence.  From one day conferences to full year or more campus based programs, there are many educational opportunities for those seeking a career as a professional nanny to consider.

Annual Nanny Conferences

International Nanny Association. The International Nanny Association (INA) serves as the umbrella organization for the in-home child care industry. The association offers guidance, information and education to industry professionals and the public. INA offers a Basic Skills Exam and the INA Nanny Credential Exam. The association has also published a book, both in English and Spanish, titled Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association’s Official Guide to In-Home Childcare.  INA members have access to INA’s Nanny Mentor Program as well as discounts for eStore purchases and Annual Conference registration, the association’s main event of the year. The cost of INA membership for nannies is $35 per year.  INA’s 2013 Annual Conference will be held in Louisville, Kentucky in the spring of 2013. Those who joined INA after June 1, 2012 and who have never attended an INA Annual Conference are eligible to receive 50% off of their conference registration fees. Learn more at www.nanny.org.

Nannypalooza. Nannypalooza is a 2-day conference held each year for nannies and those who support the nanny industry. The 2012 event will be held October 13th and 14th at the Philadelphia Airport Hilton in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Registration is $140. Nannypalooza provides an opportunity for nannies to learn new skills, to make new friends and to have fun. To learn more about Nannypalooza, visit www.nannypalooza.com.

National Nanny Training Day. National Nanny Training Day is a one day educational event hosted by various nannies, nanny groups and nanny placement agencies across the country and is organized by Nanny Biz Reviews. The 2012 event brought together nearly 1,300 nannies from across the United States and Canada for a day of professional development, childcare training and networking. Over 30 events were held in 27 cities across the United States. The 2012 National Nanny Training Day will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013. To learn more about National Nanny Training Day visit www.nannybizreviews.com.

Nanny Schools

The English Nanny and Governess School. Since 1984, The English Nanny and Governess School (ENGS) has provided nanny training to aspiring nannies. Located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, The English Nanny and Governess School offers students the opportunity to become a Certified Processional Nanny or a Certified Professional Governess upon successful completion of the school’s program and a passing grade on the American Council of Nanny School’s exam.  The English Nanny and Governess School is a member of the International Nanny Association and the American Council of Nanny Schools. The school is also approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. To learn more about the English Nanny and Governess visit www.nanny-governess.com.

The Alexandria School.  Founded in 2007, the Alexandria School offers diploma and certificate programs for nannies, including the 18 week diploma program and the Advanced Professional Nanny Certificate. For those looking to expand their service offerings into newborn care, the school also offers a newborn care specialist certificate. Based in Solon, Ohio, the school offers both on-site and distance learning options. The Alexandria School is a member of the International Nanny Association. The Alexandria School is also approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. To learn more about current course offerings, visit www.alexandria-school.com.

Sullivan University. Sullivan University offers professional nanny students the opportunity to earn a career diplomat in as little as 12 months. Students can complete the coursework online or at the Louisville, Kentucky or Lexington, Kentucky campus. Sullivan University is a member of the International Nanny Association and the American Council of Nanny Schools. To learn more about Sullivan University’s nanny program, visit http://www.sullivan.edu/professional-nanny.asp.

Northwest Nannies Institute. Northwest Nannies Institute (NNI) based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, offers a 30 week nanny training program, which includes classroom time, homework time and a practicum. Northwest Nannies Institute is licensed by the State of Oregon as a private career school and approved by the US Department of Education as a Title IV School. NNI is also a member of the International Nanny Association and the American Council of Nanny Schools. To learn more about Northwest Nannies Institute visit
Continuing your education not only benefits you, but it benefits the children in your care and the families for whom you work. If you are serious about being a career nanny, consider continuing your education. Like with any career, the more specialized education you have, the greater your earning potential and marketability will be. When competing for jobs, setting yourself a part as an educated professional could make the difference between landing the job and the job going to someone else.

This is the type of career that can be very rewarding, as nannies play a large role in the child’s developmental years.  Having a loving caregiver assures the parents that someone trustworthy is taking care of their child/children, and that their safety is of the utmost importance.  pb

General Safety Issues

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR KITCHEN SAFE (Guest Post)

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There are many reasons why people like to get their kitchens redecorated. Among them is child safety. Plenty of accidents happen in kitchens of homes, and homeowners want to take every possible precaution to ensure that their kids will remain safe in the area. After all, it’s one place that small children and toddlers are bound to end up in a house. If you’re looking to get your kitchen remodelled, following are a few tips you may consider. 

Child-proof locks must be used wisely 

All drawers and cabinets that contain sharp objects like scissors and knives, lighters and matches, medications, cleaning supplies, breakable objects like glass and heavy objects like cast iron skillets must have locks. Apart from keeping dangerous items locked in cabinets and drawers, it also serves as an idea to put hazardous items that aren’t used very frequently in drawers that are not in your child’s reach. 

Baby gates must be used to keep kids out 

Though toddlers and babies may be good to have around, but when you’re cooking, it is safer, and more practical to keep them away from the kitchen. For instance, when there are too many cooks, it is best forchildren to stay out of the area, as more people in the kitchen increases the chances of accidents. Moreover, there may be times when toddlers just make their way to the kitchen and find sharp or dangerous items to play with. The best way to keep them out is to install a baby gate that allows them to look on the other side and interact, but doesn’t let them get past into the thick of the action.  

If you’re busy cooking, and there’s no one to baby-sit, you may place the toddler in a playpen or a high chair inside the cooking area. Playpens and high chairs keep children contained and away from harm, while allowing them to be part of things inside the kitchen. 

Appliances must be used to practice child safety 

Appliances like the refrigerator can be locked using a child-proofing product. Devices that can keep stoves bolted into the wall and keep it from flipping over are also available in the market, in case the kid uses the door of the oven as a step. Small appliances that are not being used must be kept unplugged and the cords must be wrapped up and away from the kid’s reach. For the pots on the stove, make sure that their handles face inward. This is extremely important to ensure that the child doesn’t grab it and pull the pot, and the boiling liquid down onto him/herself. 

There is no doubt that kitchens are inviting and warm rooms in a home, but the fact that many an accident occur in the area cannot be overlooked. Cabinets must be locked, unsafe items must be put in high places and away from children’s reach, baby gates must be used to keep toddlers away from the hazards of the kitchen and appliances must be used to practice child safety and then, you can be assured that your child will be out of harm’s way. 

Penny Cooper is an expert associated with Kingston Cabinets, manufacturers of white oak radiator covers based in London & Handforth (UK). Kingston Cabinets offer a beautiful collection of home radiator cabinets and radiator cover grilles, designed to add style and distinction to every home.

Thank you, Penny, for this good advice on child safety.  Many accidents happen in the kitchen, and most are preventable. pb

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

NO MORE DOG BITES, PLEASE!

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In the United States last year, 4.7 million people were bitten by dogs, with children being by far the most common victims, and the most likely to be severely injured.    Over 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites annually – with 400,000 victims being children.  The U.S. Postal Service reports that around 2,500 mail carriers are included in those statistics.  The next-most common victims of dog bites are senior citizens.  The American Veterinary Medical Association is teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service and American Academy of Pediatrics to sponsor the 18th annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week, (May 14-20),  in hopes of educating the public on how best to prevent dog bites. 

A dog’s mouth can deliver from 150 to 450 pounds of pressure.  Imagine if the mouth with its strong sharp teeth is latched on your arm or your leg. A dog’s bite can cause deep punctures and big lacerations. It can also cause broken bones and may damage the muscles and the tendons.  Naturally, these kinds of wounds would bleed profusely.  That is why it is so important to understand the importance of preventing dog bites. 

Here are some interesting facts from experts that will help us understand the nature of dogs, and what may cause them to bite, particularly, a child.

  • Children are dog height, and may be loud and unpredictable.  When a child screams and runs, it may seem like prey to a dog.
  • If dogs are not socialized around children, they are often less tolerant and can be caught off guard by their behaviors.  Carefully select your pet, and make sure it is socialized as a young puppy so it is at ease with other people and animals.
  • Dogs have some degree of tolerance, but may reach their threshold of patience quickly.  Do not tease them.
  • Human behaviors that children may do around dogs, i.e., hug, kiss, and make eye contact are offensive to dogs, especially if they do not know the child.
  • Signs of discomfort by a dog are: turning away, yawning, licking their lips, ears back, hair bristled up, then a growl or snap. 

Here are some basic safety tips to teach and review with your children often.  It’s good advice for adults, as well:

  • Do not scream or run from a dog – remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not approach a dog that is alone in a fence, car, or on a chain. If you own a dog, be sure the fenced yard and gates are secure.
  • Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
  • Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
  • Do not bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or taking care of puppies.
  • Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
  • If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
  • Try to throw a jacket, purse, or anything to distract him from you in the event of being attacked. 
  • Treat your pet with respect.
  • Never leave a small child alone with a dog.
  • Dogs must be vaccinated regularly.  Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system when bitten by a rabid animal.  Vaccination is a simple way to protect your pets and family.

When someone is bitten by a dog, here’s what to do:

  1. If the dog’s owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the owner’s name and contact information.
  2. Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
  3. Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if it’s after office hours.
  4. Contact the dog’s veterinarian to check vaccination records.

It is important to distribute this information to the public; however, please don’t get the idea that all dogs bite!  There are around 67 million great dogs out there!  It’s up to owners to teach them how to socialize, to see that they are spayed or neutered, and keep their shots current.  They make wonderful companions, and love their owners unconditionally.  I can’t imagine life without a dog.   Appreciate your pets and train your dogs to behave!  Most important of all, monitor your dog when children are around.  No one wants to see anyone suffer from a dog bite! 

Source: AVMA

 

General Safety Issues

KEEPING OUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS SAFE – OUR CHILDREN!

November marks National Child Safety and Protection Month – a time that reminds us of something that we should bear in mind every day – how to protect our children.  From the time of their birth, we are vigilant about their safety.  We have months to prepare for their arrival.  Picking out the perfect baby carriers, beds, clothing, safest bottles, formula, baby monitors, are only the tip of the iceberg.  Thankfully, hospitals are extremely careful in protecting newborns, as in the past, some persons have tried to slip in and take them.  When we first take a newborn out in the public, our eyes are constantly focused on that baby. 

That vigilance should carry over through their toddler years, ‘tweens, and teens.  Somewhere along the way, though, we get so very busy that safety may get pushed into the back of our minds.  We hear of parents and caregivers that forget and leave their little ones in the car.  We hear of the nightmare of missing children, and the agony that friends and family experience. 

Parents have the greatest influence on their children, so it starts from the very beginning of their lives.  They should be taught healthy routines and healthy habits.  The National Crime Prevention Council reminds us that we must talk to our kids and be involved with them.  Parents are responsible for furnishing safe toys.  They must install devices in their homes to protect toddlers from the hazards of electrical outlets, medicines, stairs, and many other ways their children can be injured.  

In many families, both parents work, or there may be a one-parent home.  When child care is required, the parents should do a thorough investigation of the  applicant to be in charge of their little one every day.  You are leaving your child in their care and you want to be sure this person will be responsible.  It’s a smart idea to install “nanny cameras,” for your peace of mind.  If you opt to leave your child in a day-care facility, be sure it is licensed, and ask parents you know that leave their children there about their experiences.  Day care centers are an excellent source of teaching children how to get along with each other. 

Parents need to monitor their children’s school activities, and be familiar with the school’s emergency plans, what kinds of foods are offered, and the safety of playground equipment.  They need to also plan their rides to and from school: either by carpooling with persons they know well, riding the bus, or bicycles, and be sure they stay on safe routes if they walk or ride a bike to school.  As they grow older, kids need to be involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports, hobbies, organizations, and/or Boy or Girl Scouts.  There are neighborhoods with gang activities, and keeping kids busy with other fun things will divert any interest in gangs. 

Every day, there is news somewhere of a missing child.  We hear every detail, when a little body is found.  That little person was someone’s angel, and we need to think about what went wrong and how our system can be fixed to better prevent persons from abusing children.  People that hurt children, the elderly, or animals are cruel and should be put away so they can never hurt anyone again.   Every child deserves to be safe.  Do your part – if you suspect a child is being abused, report the people that are doing it.  (Sometimes it does take a village!)

Being a parent, step-parent, or foster parent is a huge responsibility.  When your kids are grown and have kids of their own, you will reflect on what you could have done better to protect them as they grew up.  When you are a grandparent, you think of how you can keep them safe when they are in your care.  There’s a big checklist of things to do to protect our children.  We may not get every check marked off, but in the big picture, if we have raised them to be responsible adults, we will have done an excellent job.  

 Be on the same frequency as your children.  Stay engaged with your kids; you can be their friend as well as their parent.  Long after they are grown, they will realize that their parents will always be their best friends.  If we do our job in loving and protecting our children, they, in turn, will do the same for theirs.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SCHOOL DAYS ARE BACK DRIVE SAFELY!

School bells are ringing again, and a whole new set of parents and students will be on the roads, rushing to get their little scholars to school on time!  Experienced parents and students will also be hitting the streets again.  We ask you to make this promise:   “I will take no risks to endanger the safety of my child or other children. I will drive safely this entire year, even if I am late to work or my child is tardy.”  (The consequences of being delayed outweigh the emotional and physical costs of an accident.)

Safety tips to keep in mind when taking/picking up your child:

  • Plan ahead, and allow extra time to deliver your child to school on time.
  • Young children may dart into path of cars, so watch, watch, watch!
  • Don’t assume that your child is safe in a crosswalk; tell them to stop and look both ways, if not accompanied by a crosswalk guard.
  • Be familiar with school zones and speed limits at your child’s school.
  • Do not let your cell phone, palm, or other wonders of technology distract you from the primary goal:  the ultimate safety of your child and other children.
  • Motorists need to obey all traffic laws and speed limits.
  • Be sure to stop for school buses that have stopped to load or unload passengers.
  • When you are backing out of your driveway, be sure to watch for kids hurrying to school, either walking or on their bikes.
  • Cell phone conversations should be postponed until you have left the school area. (Many states outlaw the use of cell phones in school zones.)

Teenagers:  this applies to you, as well.  We take many things for granted in our daily routines: our jobs, schedules, families, and health.  A blunder caused by hurried, careless driving could alter many lives, so slow down, and drive safely!

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

HOME SAFETY FOR TODDLERS – WINDOW BLINDS

One of the many things we do when we buy a new home or move into an apartment is choose window treatments.  Whether we have children, grandchildren, or an occasional toddler visit our home, we must be aware of certain hazards that are present.  If you select blinds to cover your windows, be sure they are the new type of cordless ones.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that on the average, once every two weeks, a toddler or infant dies from strangulation from window blind cords.  Blinds made prior to 2001 do not meet child safety regulations.

Toddlers love to climb up to look out of the window, and if they slip and fall, they could become entangled in the cords.  Infants in cribs that are placed too near a window may grab a cord, place it in their mouth, and get it wrapped around their neck.

Here are some actions you may take to ensure safety regarding this hazard:

  • Never have furniture near dangling cords in windows.
  • Buy new cordless window blinds.
  • Consider other window treatments, such as shutters or curtains.
  • If you have older blinds, get retrofit kits to make them safe.
  • Never place cribs near windows.
  • Keep the child away from blind cords.

If you want to adjust the existing blind cords that you now own, the USCPSC recommends eliminating loops on 2-corded horizontal blinds by cutting the cord above the end tassel (looks like a small wood or plastic thimble).

Remove equalizer buckle and add new tassels for each cord, or replace it with a safety break-away tassel.  Do not retie the cords in a knot, as that only recreates a new loop.  Or, you can lower blind all the way, cut cords as close to top of blind as possible and then re-install tassels.  Parents can reach, but the tots cannot!  Otherwise, use old-fashioned cord cleats, which are available at most window covering stores.

The Window Covering Safety Council provides free retrofit kits: cord stops, tassels, and tie-down devices.  Their toll-free number is 800-506-4636.  You can contact them at their website or give them a call for more information.

We just learned of a tragic accident involving some type of cord hanging from a treadmill. It’s unknown at this time just exactly how it happened, but a 4 year-old girl is in critical condition from getting strangled by this cord.  So, parents, look out for anything in your home that could be harmful!