Ways to Prevent Injuries Away from Home PCD Objective 2.02

What do you think are safety guidelines that are concerns for children away from home? Playground Water Vehicle Bicycle Pedestrian

Inspect the playground for possible –safety hazards –play equipment--no protrusions Discard broken toys Close supervision at all times As a parent, what would you look for when you are inspecting a playground?

Water Safety Drowning happens in a matter of seconds. How does this make you feel?

Drowning Drowning is a quick and silent killer In the time it takes to: –cross the room for a towel (10 seconds), a child in the bathtub can become submerged. –answer the phone (2 minutes), that child can lose consciousness. –sign for a package at your front door (4 to 6 minutes), a child submerged in the bathtub or pool can sustain permanent brain damage

Water Safety WHAT TO DO?????????? My child is in the swimming pool. I get a call and must leave the room to take the call. Take child with you. OR Do not leave child in pool. What is the right action to take?

Water Safety Never leave a young child alone or with a sibling in the tub A child should never be unsupervised in or near water, even shallow wading pools. –Devices (bathtub seats) can not be relied upon to keep them afloat and alive. Always watch your child: –Pool –Spa/hot tub –Beach –Lake Beware of backyard pools and spas in the neighborhood. A child could wander off and fall in.

Install a pool side telephone & four-sided fence around your pool or spa. –House should not be used as one of the four sides. –5 ft. high and have self-closing/self-latching gate. Ocean/Lake –Pay attention to open water. –Be aware of undercurrents and changing waves and undertows. What are safeguards you need to take if you have a home pool?

Water Safety Can a child drown in a toilet? YES!!!!!! –Young children’s wt. is concentrated in the top half of their bodies. –May lose balance when leaning in toilet bowl and can drown in as little as 1 inch of water Toilet lids shut & use locks Empty all buckets, containers and wading pools immediately after use. –Store them upside-down and out of children's reach.

If a parent enrolls a child in a swim class does this mean they cannot drown? NO, they can drown—even after they have learned out to swim!!!! Best age to enroll children in swim lessons is over age 3. –Taught by qualified instructors. Keep in mind –Lessons don't make children "drown-proof.”

Why should you not let your child swim in rock quarries, canals, and ponds? Never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals, or ponds. Older kids are at risk of drowning when they overestimate their ability or underestimate how deep the water is.

Remember, children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water and it can happen in no time at all.

Vehicle Safety Vehicles, yes we must all use them to go places? Do you know what the safety procedures are for restraint system safety for young passengers? Did you know that age and size of your child affects restraint systems? Safest place is facing the rear of the car in the middle of the back seat. Helps support the baby’s head and back.

Child Safety Seats Most important pieces of equipment by LAW you must use one for your child –Child safety seat AKA: Car Seat Children should be restrained using appropriate seats for their size and weight. SMART START offers child safety seat check classes.

What is the correct procedure for riding with an infant in the car? Faces the back 1 st year –Turn to face front when baby is at least 1 year old and weighs at least 20 pounds Fit babies up to 22 pounds Convertible seat –Fits children Birth-40 lbs.

Two Types of Infant Seats Convertible seats Infant only seats

Car Seats for Older Children Do you know what kind of car seat a 4-8- year old needs? –Booster seat locked in place with seat belts and check each time –The forward facing care seat is attached using an adult seat belt and an upper strap. How old does a child have to be to sit in the front seat of a car? –12 or younger in the back seat Never in a front seat that has passenger-side airbags –Buckle them in back seat with both lap/shoulder belts every trip

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

What guidelines does a child need to know for riding a bicycle safely? Learn “rules of the road” –Bikes have to follow traffic laws hand signals correct side of the road to ride on –Always wear protective helmet helmet shields the brain if a crash or accident occurs –Ride close to the curb, with flow of traffic –Never ride into a street without looking for cars 1 st and pedestrians

Pedestrian Safety Do not play near parked cars Stop and look both ways when crossing the street Teach children to recognize signals, such as: –stop signs –walk signs –traffic lights

Pedestrian Safety Younger children should hold an adult’s hand when crossing a street. OR A group can form a line, hold hands, walk behind supervising adult.

It is your responsibility as a parent to give these children safe, secure environment away from the home.