Child Safety

Facts about Child Safety Accidents claim more lives than any of the major diseases of children More likely to occur in the later afternoon or early evening when adults are busy with dinner or other household tasks When adults are ill

Adults Can Create a safe environment Prevent unsafe situations by taking safety measures Model and teach safety practices

Accidents of Birth to Age 1 Bath scalding Falls from stairs or high places Swallowing small objects Strangling on cords Smothering from dry cleaning bags or balloons Drowning Injuries from pulling on cords connected to appliances Burns from open heaters & fireplaces or grasping containers filled with hot foods or beverages.

Accidents- Ages 1 to 3 Falls on stairs, tubs or pools and from high places Injuries from swallowing small objects or putting them into their eyes, nose or ears. Injuries from knives, sharp-edged furniture, breakable objects and electrical outlets. Poisoning from medications and cleaning agents Injuries caused by playing in driveways or darting across the street.

Indoor Hazards Beverages Cords –drapery & electrical Curtains Doors Electrical outlets Fans Firearms Fireplaces Furniture Hot food & liquids Insects –spiders & rodents Matches & lighters Stairs Tools Tubs Hot water Windows

Childproofing the Environment Poisoning – happens more to children under the age of five. –Lock up household products when children can walk –Keep products in original containers with labels intact –Have medication in childproof containers –Never give medication in the dark –Never refer to medicine as candy

Outdoor Safety Outdoor pools and ponds should be enclosed by a fence that the child can not climb. Remove doors and trunk lids from old refrigerators, freezers, stoves and cars. Keep back gate secure that children can not open

Be aware that many plants are poisonous to children –Some plants harm the digestive tract like eating ground glass. –One poinsettia leaf can kill a child Children in front yard should be supervised at all times

Traffic Safety Car accidents are the #1 cause of death for infants and children –At 30 miles per hour, a baby who weighs 10 lbs. moves forward with the force of 300 lbs. An adult can not hold a child in a car and keep them safe. –Regular seat belts will not protect a young child.

Safety Seats Required in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Safest place is center back seat. Up to 20 pounds, should be rear facing From 20 to 40 pounds, forward facing in toddler seat From 40 to 70 pounds, booster seat Until 12 years old, back seat with seat and shoulder belts after 70 pounds.

Keep car doors locked Never let child ride with any part of body hanging out of window Child not ride in cargo area of cars, vans, or trucks Child never sit on adult’s lap, front or back seat Child never share a seat belt with another child or adult. Adults should set the example for their child in relation to car safety

Street Safety Traffic safety skills not mastered until age 11. Adults must set limits for play areas, supervise children closely, model safe behavior and teach street safety skills

Toy Safety Some toys that are hazardous to young children must carry the warning: “Not Intended for Children Under Three Years of Age” Read toy labels and examine the toys carefully for safety and durability Consider the amount of supervision is required when using the toy

Is the toy suitable for the child’s age and skill level What kind of space is needed for the use and storage of the toy Check for sharp points, jagged edges and small loose parts On stuffed toys and dolls, can they be cleaned easily and do they have parts that can be easily pulled off

Pet Safety Pets can bite, transmit diseases and cause allergic reactions –Choose pets that are less likely to bite –Dogs – one year old, and cats – 9 months old are better than baby kittens and puppies –Pets should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year – keep shots up to date –Teach children how to treat a pet.

Teaching Safety An ongoing process from birth and continues for life. Model safe practices for children All warnings should be explained with the reason for. Adults must insist on obedience of safety rules at all times Practice safety measures with children – fire and tornado drills