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Safety

ENJOY BIKING SAFELY

Safety Helmets Can Help Prevent Serious Injuries

“Helmets can avert the serious consequences of seemingly typical childhood incidents such as falling from a bike.  When worn correctly and consistently, helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent.”

Southern California’s great weather provides our children the opportunity to spend lots of quality time outdoors in the beautiful sunshine.  Bicycling, skateboarding, and skating are excellent ways for kids to have fun and get the exercise that’s so important for them.  However, a child’s life is in danger every time he or she goes skating or riding a bike without a helmet.  Doctors and nurses see way too many children hospitalized each year with serious head injuries that could have been prevented.  Please make sure that your child wears a helmet every time he or she is on skates, a bike, a scooter, etc.  Also, make sure that the helmet is worn properly – not loosely resting on the head.  This simple tip could save your child’s life!

SUN SAFETY

Summer brings with it swimming pools, beach outings and trips to the park. But it also brings increased numbers of drownings, sunburn, dehydration, playground accidents and other injuries. Do you know everything you need to know to keep your little one as safe as possible this summer? Find out!

TRUE? OR FALSE?

1. Children are OK for a short time in a car if you roll the window down halfway. 

     False. Never leave a child unattended in a car, and don't allow children to play in the car – they can become trapped and suffocate (or overheat).

2.  Children should always be watched around water, no matter how small the amount.

     True. Toddlers can drown in just a few inches of water. Because of this, always supervise your child when in or around a pool. Even kiddie pools can be dangerous. Empty all pools and large basins (like a large water tub for dogs) when not in use. Larger pools should be fenced, and the gates should swing closed by themselves and have locks. Carefully scrutinize all fenced areas to make sure kids can't climb through or over the fence at any point. Even if your toddler has had swimming lessons, never leave him or her unattended in or around the pool for any length of time. If you have a gathering or party near the pool, do not be responsible for more than two to three children at a time. Get another adult to help you watch the kids. 

SAFETY TIPS

  • Make sure your child knows his full name, address, and phone number
  • Children should always travel in groups or with a buddy
  • Know who your child's friends are, and where they live

CHILD SAFETY IS MORE THAN A SLOGAN

 "Stranger danger" - the phrase is so pervasive in our culture that it has become part of the lexicon. Well-intentioned adults perpetuate this misguided message, and the media often uses it as a slogan. This was never more evident than when an 11-year-old cub scout was lost in the Utah wilderness for four days. After the child was miraculously recovered, we learned he hid from his rescuers because he was taught "not to talk to strangers." The boy was actually afraid someone "would steal him." This case and many others clearly illustrate how literal children may be when given a specific message. That's why the National Center for Missing Exploited Children has never supported the "stranger-danger" message, especially because experience has shown us that most children are actually taken by someone they know or are familiar with.