Safety

Car Safety

• always buckle your child into the car seat, no matter how short the journey.
• they must not travel in the car if you can’t put them in an approved restraint.
• the safest place for your child to travel is in the back seat.
• make sure the seat is firmly held in place by the seat belt.
• make sure the harness fitting is secured correctly each time it’s used – this will change if your child is wearing thicker or thinner clothing.
• never leave your child unattended in a car. A child left in a car on a warm summer day can rapidly develop heatstroke and could die.
• never leave matches or anything dangerous in the glove box.
• second-hand car seats need checking to ensure they are not damaged.
• seek professional advice regarding upgrading the car seat as your child grows.

Toyota ISO Car Seat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B18rtsFj-kQ

It is against the law in New Zealand for a child under 12 years old to travel in a vehicle without a suitable child restraint.

Never place a rear-facing seat in the front with an airbag. Serious injury or death may occur in an accident.

It is recommended that children should be taken out of their car seat at the end of a journey even if it means waking them up.  Cat seats are important in cars but shouldn’t be used as household beds.

Keeping Our Children Safe Around Dogs

University of Waikato have published a dog safety booklet for parents/caregivers and teachers you can download it  here

This booklet provides research-based practical guidelines for safe interaction between children and pet dogs. There are also versions in Te Reo Maori. The dog safety tips are summarised below.

FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS:

• Supervise children at all times when they are interacting with a dog – especially visiting children;
• Never leave your baby (or young child) and dog alone together even to answer the door or go to the toilet – take either one of them with you;
• Never tie a dog leash to the baby’s pram – hold it in your hand;
• Consider putting a muzzle on your dog if it’s tied up in a public place – this protects both children and your dog;
• Discourage children from disciplining a dog.

TEACH CHILDREN:

• Not to approach a dog that is eating, sleeping, has puppies or is hurt;
• To be as still as ‘a statue’ if a dog rushes at them (they need to drop any food or toys they are holding and stand still and straight, with feet together, their fists held under their chin and their elbows close against their chest);
• Never stare a dog in the eyes or scream and run away;
• That not all dogs are as friendly as their own dog;
• Always to ask the owner’s permission before patting a dog – it’s best to pat a dog on the chin chest or side of the neck;
• Never to deliberately tease or annoy dogs

The authors also developed two age-appropriate educational resources for children.
Obtain a copy of the children’s booklet (about 8-9yrs) in English – here
Obtain a copy of the children’s booklet (about 8-9yrs) in Te Reo Maori – here
Obtain a copy of the children’s leaflet (about 5-6yrs) in English – here
Obtain a copy of the children’s leaflet (about 5-6yrs) in Te Reo Maori – here

[warning]Remember that other people’s homes may not be as ‘toddler-proof’ as yours Keep a careful watch on your child to make sure they do not get into danger.[/warning]

Water presents a potentially life threatening hazard for young children in and around the home and in the wider community. Statistics  show preschool children have one of the highest drowning rates of all New Zealanders.

However, given the right opportunities and with encouragement, your child can become both confident and competent in the water.

Supervision

Think about safety first!

Safety is of critical importance as children are introduced to water play and later when they learn to swim.

[warning]Always supervise children near water – ALWAYS![/warning]

Supervision without any distractions is the single most important precaution you can take. Children learn by exploring their environment. New adventures are only a few steps away. Parents know from experience how quickly children can do something unexpected. Proper supervision in and around water means a responsible adult keeping young children in their care both WITHIN SIGHT and WITHIN REACH.

Almost half of all pre-school drownings in New Zealand occur in a home pool. This is most frequently at the child’s own home or when visiting a friend or relative. Are you familiar with the law on fencing of home pools?

If you are unsure of your obligations under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, check with your local council. But remember, even if your pool fencing does fully comply with the act, you still have to remain alert.

[important] Ensure that:

• the self latching gate is never propped open
• nothing is left lying around that could be used to climb over the fence
• fence and gate are in good working order. Gate latches should have no resistance to closure
• the spa pool cover is locked when the spa is not in use
• the spa pool is equipped with dual drains and drain covers that are required by current safety standards
• garden ponds can be dangerous and every year children lose their lives by drowning in them. It takes very little water to drown a child, so never leave your child alone near water make sure your child only goes in water when you are with them
• never leave your child alone even if they are wearing a swimming aid[/important]

[warning]Watching your child near water means having your full attention on your child and not doing anything else at that time.[/warning]

www.watersafety.org.nz/

Time to cruise round your house at child level.

• check for top heavy items like table lamps, bookshelves, chairs that might fall if pulled by your child
• any electrical cords or outlets within reach? Install plastic plug fillers to keep prying fingers out, especially at floor level
• check that no electric jug, or iron cords are dangling
• cords attached to drapes and blinds? Hook them up out of reach of your child
• time to dispense with table clots and use table mats instead
• fireguards need to be in place
• use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
• fit safety glass in low level glass doors
• are all doors and windows lockable?
• your bedroom – are there any pills lying around?
• keep alcohol locked in a cupboard
• have you moved poisonous house plants out of reach or disposed of them?

Accidents are preventable so think ahead!

In the Kitchen

• cleaning materials, bleach, dishwasher powder – all need to be in a cupboard out of reach at all times
• keep sharp objects such as knives and glass out of reach at all times
• never leave pots with the handles extending over the edge of the stove
• never allow young children to play with matches
• mop up spills that could cause your child to fall on a slippery floor
• install childproof catches on the fridge and kitchen cupboards

In the Bathroom

• medicines and perfumes should be in a high, locked cupboard
• cleaning materials need storing well out of reach
• always empty the bath immediately after use
• never leave plugged hairdryers in the bathroom. If possible have a door handle or latch out of reach of your “cruiser” sot that the door can be kept closed.

Iron tablets often come in containers without childproof lids and are frequently kept handy so you remember to take them. BUT they could be lethal for your child. Just TWO iron tablets can be enough to kill a toddler. Keep iron tablets and all pills out of reach.

Outside

• Ensure there is a safe, fenced area away from the driveway for outdoor play
• the swimming pool must be fully fenced and fully comply with local council fencing requirements
• in addition to pool fencing, ensure there are no pot plants or other objects a child could use to climb over the fence
• always supervise when your child is in a paddling pool. The water should be emptied immediately after use
• keep garden tools in a locked shed. Always keep paint cleaners and pesticides in their original containers. Never store them in soft drink bottles
• take care not to plant poisonous plants
• make sure there are no matches left round a barbecue for children to play with
• be sun safe – wear hats, cover up between 11 – 3, and apply sunscreen.

Wise Advice

• everyone in your house, including young children should know how to dial 111 in an emergency
• don’t leave your child alone on any surface such as a changing table, kitchen bench or sofa
• never leave your child unattended,  even for a few seconds, when they are in water. They can drown in a few centimeters of water in a very, very short time
• never carry your child while you are also holding a hot drink
• watch for small objects –  pieces of Lego, bits from older children’s toys –  that may be within reach of your child
• keep plastic bags away from small children
• keep your child out of walkers – they have been responsible for many accidents
• keep your child out of direct sunlight in the middle of the day.