Preparing Children for Emergencies

Prevent Accidents

According to SAFE KIDS AMERICA, traffic injuries can be prevented with the proper use of a safety seat until the child reaches 40 pounds, and then a booster seat should be used. Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully. Children should always use bike helmets positioned properly. Also children should be taught to stop at the curb or edge of the road, and to look left, right, and left again for traffic before and while crossing the street.

The campaign also offers other tips:

• Guard against drowning with four-sided, five-foot high fencing with a self-closing and self-latching gate around any pool or spa. Also, use personal flotation devices near the water. Remember that drowning can happen in bathtubs, buckets, and toilet bowls.
• Smoke detectors should be installed in sleeping areas and on the entry level of the home to prevent fires and burns. Don't forget to replace the batteries each year. Also, families should plan and practice two fire escape routes.
• Test the water temperature before placing kids in the bathtub or consider installing anti-scald plumbing.
• Guns should be unloaded and locked up to prevent firearm injuries or deaths. Lock and store bullets in a separate location or do not keep a firearm in the house.
• To prevent falls, install stairway safety gates and window guards on windows that are not fire emergency exits. Ensure playgrounds have safe equipment and cushioned surfaces.
• Avoid accidental poisonings by purchasing child-resistant packaging and storing potentially poisonous substances and plants out of sight and reach of children.

Another good idea is to post police, fire, poison control center, and medical services telephone numbers near phones. You never know when you might need them, and in an event of crisis you may forget a number you normally know. And of course keep a kit of first supplies handy, too.

Most children are receptive to safety lessons at home as well as in preschool settings. Coloring book activities and role-playing emergencies situations often seem like games to young children, but the endeavor might wind up saving someone's life.

Safety Checklist

National SAFE KIDS Campaign suggest following this checklist to keep your family safe.

1. Our family buckles up on every car ride.
2. Our family wears bike helmets when bicycling.
3. Kids under 10 never cross streets alone.
4. Kids are always supervised in or near water.
5. Our home has working smoke detectors and we check the batteries monthly.
6. Our water heaters are set no higher than 120* F to prevent scald burns.
7. If guns are in our home, they are kept unloaded and locked away.
8. Kids are protected against falls from windows, stairs, furniture, and playground equipment.
9. Household cleaners, medicines, and vitamins are stored out of young kids reach.
10. Our home has emergency numbers near telephones and first aid supplies.