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AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION - Your Monthly Dose of Child Safety News
September 2012
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Dear Supporter,
You may want to think twice before you get fire safety advice from a real estate agent, and I’m proof of it. I was almost ready to move into a charming, just perfect home discovered for me by my wonderful friend and realtor. We were walking from room to room, discussing all of the final decorating touches that would transform a pretty cool condo into my dream home. Before long, I noticed that there wasn’t a carbon monoxide detector anywhere to be found. “Oh, don’t worry about it,” Nancy said. “You don’t really need one of those. It’s not in the code here." I looked at her and asked, “What about the gas range and the gas fireplace?" It made us both pause and realize that yes, it would be smart to add a carbon monoxide detector. I replaced the ancient-looking smoke detectors while I was at it. Today, I do love my new home, and feel ever safer with the upgrades I made. How about you? What’s the most alarming fire hazard you’ve ever discovered in your home? We’ll print the best story in next month’s An Ounce of Prevention. In the meantime, please enjoy the winner of last month's Kiddo Award.
Kate Carr |
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| THE WINNER OF THE KIDDO IS: | |
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The Baby is on the Bus (finally) Last month’s topic educated us about what it’s like for parents on the first day of school. Thanks to everyone who sent stories. So many deserved top marks, but since we had to grade on a curve, the A+ goes to Nancy McMeekin. Your story of the first day of school for your daughter reminded me of our daughter's bus-preparation efforts as a pre-schooler. You see, her brother, James, was two years older, but Catherine really wanted to go to school on that big yellow bus. So each morning, she would go outside with the older kids who waited in our driveway. And every day when they lined up as the bus approached, she would be at the very back of the line, in her little pajamas, walking up almost to the bus steps before she would stop, knowing she could not yet get on. That first day she actually could get on, when she was going to kindergarten, was one of the proudest of her life! Our children are grown now, but I'll never forget those earliest moments when life was always an adventure! |
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For Cribs, Less is More We know that stuffed animals, bumpers, and all those cute accessories make a baby’s crib seem warm and cozy. Unfortunately, they can often do more harm than good and even cause unintentional suffocation. A firm mattress covered with a tight-fitting crib sheet is all you need to make your baby sleep like a baby. Learn more. |
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A Walk Around the World October 3 is International Walk to School Day. That means that millions of children from all over the world will participate in more than 1,000 events to raise community and global awareness. They will also promote healthy behaviors such as making eye contact with the driver before you step into the road and not walking while using your phone. Learn more. |
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What’s the Plan? Looking for a fun activity for the whole family? During Fire Prevention Week (October 7-13), Safe Kids Worldwide and the National Fire Protection Association are teaming up to encourage everyone to create and practice an at-home fire escape plan using the Safe Kids downloadable worksheet. Use a stopwatch and practice until you get the whole family out of the house in less than two minutes. Then try to beat your record. The kids will love it. Learn More. |
| IT'S OUR POLICY | |
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Take Me To Your Leader The Safe Kids footprint in our nation’s capital grew significantly on September 20. It was Safe Kids Day on Capitol Hill, a bipartisan event held to educate Congress about the number one killer of children in the United States: unintentional injuries. Co-hosted by Representatives Tom Petri (R-WI) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), more than 400 visitors learned tips and about policy issues relating to the top eight safety areas: bikes, cars, pedestrians, medications, home, fire/burn, water and sports. Following the event, Kate Carr, Policy Director Anthony Green, Safe Kids Chairman of the Board John Claster, and Safe Kids Board Member and Parents Magazine Editor-in-Chief Dana Points met with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to discuss medication safety and kid-friendly highway policy. Learn More. |
| MILESTONES | |
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100,000 Friends and Counting
We’re excited to announce that Safe Kids has reached 100,000 likes on Facebook – actually we’re up to 109,000. This has become a valuable tool to reach and educate parents about how to keep their kids safe. We’ve come a long way since we first joined Facebook in 2008. It’s been a fabulous journey, and while 100,000 is an important milestone, we are not done yet. Next up: 250,000. |
| SAFE KIDS AROUND THE WORLD | |
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Safety 2012 World Conference After an 18-hour, 8,000 mile plane ride, members of the Safe Kids team landed safely in Wellington, New Zealand for an opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world and to discuss and share experiences on the most effective ways to prevent unintentional injuries. Please follow the conversation on Twitter @safekidsworld and @safekidsusa. |
| SAFE KIDS IN YOUR COMMUNITY | |
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We have more than 600 teams of Safe Kids professionals doing some pretty cool events that might be perfect for you. Here are just a couple examples:
Don’t live in one of these places? Connect with your local Safe Kids to find out about similar events in your area. |
