Mar
13
Back to School Safety
Filed Under Parenting | Comments Off
Karen Cole Peralta asked:
It can be tricky getting your kids to school in a safe manner. As we pack our K-12 kids up and get them ready for another school year, we need to be constantly thinking about their safety. This applies both to their travel to and from school and their safety while on school grounds.
Parent drivers must remain watchful. Children dart unexpectedly into traffic, often from between parked cars. And young pedestrians face a variety of dangers while walking to and from school. Here are a few basic safety tips to follow:
• Mind all traffic signals and the crossing guard.
• Walk your bike through intersections.
• Walk with a buddy.
• Wear reflective material. It makes you more visible to street traffic.
The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests the following safe bicycling practices:
• Always wear a helmet.
• Always ride on the right side of the road. Never ride against traffic.
• Ride single file. When passing other bikers or pedestrians, let them know your position by shouting out something like, “On your left!”
• Always check behind you before changing lanes.
• Watch out for dangerous things in the roadway. Litter, potholes, gravel and storm drains all can cause you to lose control.
• Stop at all stop signs and at all traffic lights. Be extra careful at crossroads.
• Always signal before making a left or right turn.
• Maintain control of your bike. Don’t swerve or make sudden turns.
• Use caution when riding next to parked cars to avoid injury from someone suddenly opening a car door in front of you.
• Listen for cars approaching from the side or behind you.
• Don’t follow a car too closely. You may be in the blind spot, where the driver cannot see you, and you may be unable to stop if the car comes to a sudden halt.
• Know your road signs and obey them.
• Always be prepared to stop.
• Wear brightly colored clothing.
• Don’t wear headphones, loose clothing or inappropriate shoes.
Remember these safety tips for entering and exiting the school bus:
• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.
• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop.
• When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten steps away from the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are away from the bus.
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
• Be aware of street traffic. Drivers are required to follow the rules of the road concerning school buses, but not all do. Protect yourself and watch out.
You may think that riding in a car is completely safe. But there are still rules you must follow to avoid accidents when riding in a car:
• Don’t forget that most traffic crashes occur close to home.
• Safety belts are the best form of protection in the event of a crash. Everyone needs to be buckled up properly: older kids in seat belts, younger kids in booster seats and toddlers in child safety seats.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has a “Back to School Safety Checklist” with tips on making schools, child care facilities and playgrounds safer. Hidden hazards from the checklist include the following:
Playgrounds — Check the surfaces around equipment. There should be a 12-inch depth of wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel, or there should be mats made of safety-tested rubber or fiber material to prevent head injury when a child falls.
Drawstrings on jackets and sweatshirts — Remove them from around the neck. They can cause strangulation by catching on things. Cut drawstrings at the waist or bottom of jackets to three inches.
Window blind cords — If the windows in your home, childcare centers or schools have blinds, cut the loop and attach separate tassels to prevent entanglement.
Recalled Products — You can get up-to-date recall and product safety information by checking out CPSC’s web site on your home or school computer. Sign up to get free recall notices by fax, e-mail or regular mailing by calling CPSC’s hotline or writing to CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.
Judy
It can be tricky getting your kids to school in a safe manner. As we pack our K-12 kids up and get them ready for another school year, we need to be constantly thinking about their safety. This applies both to their travel to and from school and their safety while on school grounds.
Parent drivers must remain watchful. Children dart unexpectedly into traffic, often from between parked cars. And young pedestrians face a variety of dangers while walking to and from school. Here are a few basic safety tips to follow:
• Mind all traffic signals and the crossing guard.
• Walk your bike through intersections.
• Walk with a buddy.
• Wear reflective material. It makes you more visible to street traffic.
The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests the following safe bicycling practices:
• Always wear a helmet.
• Always ride on the right side of the road. Never ride against traffic.
• Ride single file. When passing other bikers or pedestrians, let them know your position by shouting out something like, “On your left!”
• Always check behind you before changing lanes.
• Watch out for dangerous things in the roadway. Litter, potholes, gravel and storm drains all can cause you to lose control.
• Stop at all stop signs and at all traffic lights. Be extra careful at crossroads.
• Always signal before making a left or right turn.
• Maintain control of your bike. Don’t swerve or make sudden turns.
• Use caution when riding next to parked cars to avoid injury from someone suddenly opening a car door in front of you.
• Listen for cars approaching from the side or behind you.
• Don’t follow a car too closely. You may be in the blind spot, where the driver cannot see you, and you may be unable to stop if the car comes to a sudden halt.
• Know your road signs and obey them.
• Always be prepared to stop.
• Wear brightly colored clothing.
• Don’t wear headphones, loose clothing or inappropriate shoes.
Remember these safety tips for entering and exiting the school bus:
• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.
• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop.
• When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten steps away from the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are away from the bus.
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
• Be aware of street traffic. Drivers are required to follow the rules of the road concerning school buses, but not all do. Protect yourself and watch out.
You may think that riding in a car is completely safe. But there are still rules you must follow to avoid accidents when riding in a car:
• Don’t forget that most traffic crashes occur close to home.
• Safety belts are the best form of protection in the event of a crash. Everyone needs to be buckled up properly: older kids in seat belts, younger kids in booster seats and toddlers in child safety seats.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has a “Back to School Safety Checklist” with tips on making schools, child care facilities and playgrounds safer. Hidden hazards from the checklist include the following:
Playgrounds — Check the surfaces around equipment. There should be a 12-inch depth of wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel, or there should be mats made of safety-tested rubber or fiber material to prevent head injury when a child falls.
Drawstrings on jackets and sweatshirts — Remove them from around the neck. They can cause strangulation by catching on things. Cut drawstrings at the waist or bottom of jackets to three inches.
Window blind cords — If the windows in your home, childcare centers or schools have blinds, cut the loop and attach separate tassels to prevent entanglement.
Recalled Products — You can get up-to-date recall and product safety information by checking out CPSC’s web site on your home or school computer. Sign up to get free recall notices by fax, e-mail or regular mailing by calling CPSC’s hotline or writing to CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.
Judy
Feb
7
Tips for Enhancing Child Safety at the Window From American Blinds, Wallpaper and More
Filed Under Parenting | Comments Off
Jeff Alderman asked:
Tips for Enhancing Child Safety at the Window From American Blinds, Wallpaper and More
When it comes to increasing child safety in the home, the window is a fixture that should not be forgotten. American Blinds, Wallpaper and More offers tips for enhancing child safety at the window:
•· Don’t forget window covering cords can be hazardous.
•· Use window guards on all windows above the first floor. Screens aren’t strong enough to stop a fall; they are meant to keep insects out, not to keep children in.
•· If it’s necessary to keep windows open for ventilation, install locks that limit the size of the opening.
•· For sliding glass doors, install safety glass that won’t shatter. Additionally, apply bright stickers at a child’s eye level (and also adult eye level) to alert him or her to the presence of glass.
•· Be sure to keep all furniture and cribs away from windows.
Put safety first in your home during Window Covering Safety Month with Cordless Blinds from American Blinds, Wallpaper and More. One of the most recent safety innovations is the cordless lifting system that allows shades or blinds to be raised and lowered with the touch of a finger. Cellular shades eliminate pull cords, enhancing child & pet safety and creating a clean look. Colorful and durable, cellular shades are a great choice for a child’s room. They not only help block the sun’s harmful UV rays, they feature a unique honeycomb construction that “traps” air for greater energy efficiency, helping to reduce energy bills during the upcoming winter months. The shades also softly diffuse incoming natural light to cut the glare and heat on warm days.
“We’re happy to partner with the Window Covering Safety Council and our product vendors to inform consumers about these very important safety tips” said Rick Isenberg, Chief Marketing Officer of American Blinds, Wallpaper and More. “As parents, we tend to focus on child-safe things like car seats and outlets, and may forget about dangling cords. We’ve put extensive information in our Resource Center on Child Safety, including the Window Covering Safety Council’s SuperBaby videos, which will help parents focus on safety and smile at the same time.”
Join Window Covering Safety Month and keep your children safe and warm with cordless blinds from American Blinds, Wallpaper and More. To purchase cordless window blinds or shades, visit www.americanblinds.com/cordless.
ABOUT AMERICAN BLINDS, WALLPAPER AND MORE:
American Blinds, Wallpaper and More is the largest online retailer of brand name custom window treatments and wall coverings at savings from 25% - 85% off most retail store and home center prices. They carry all brand name blinds and wallpaper, including Hunter Douglas®, Bali®, Levolor®, Kirsch®, Waverly® and American Blinds®, their most popular brand. The company also sells home decorating products including curtains, draperies, custom framed wall art, and area rugs. Their website, www.americanblinds.com can search for over 500,000 wallpaper, border and fabric patterns by color, style and other keywords. Most merchandise is shipped via free ground delivery and is covered by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a Lowest Price Guarantee. For more than fifty years American Blinds, Wallpaper and More has provided high quality products to over 6 million customers nationwide.
Charles
Tips for Enhancing Child Safety at the Window From American Blinds, Wallpaper and More
When it comes to increasing child safety in the home, the window is a fixture that should not be forgotten. American Blinds, Wallpaper and More offers tips for enhancing child safety at the window:
•· Don’t forget window covering cords can be hazardous.
•· Use window guards on all windows above the first floor. Screens aren’t strong enough to stop a fall; they are meant to keep insects out, not to keep children in.
•· If it’s necessary to keep windows open for ventilation, install locks that limit the size of the opening.
•· For sliding glass doors, install safety glass that won’t shatter. Additionally, apply bright stickers at a child’s eye level (and also adult eye level) to alert him or her to the presence of glass.
•· Be sure to keep all furniture and cribs away from windows.
Put safety first in your home during Window Covering Safety Month with Cordless Blinds from American Blinds, Wallpaper and More. One of the most recent safety innovations is the cordless lifting system that allows shades or blinds to be raised and lowered with the touch of a finger. Cellular shades eliminate pull cords, enhancing child & pet safety and creating a clean look. Colorful and durable, cellular shades are a great choice for a child’s room. They not only help block the sun’s harmful UV rays, they feature a unique honeycomb construction that “traps” air for greater energy efficiency, helping to reduce energy bills during the upcoming winter months. The shades also softly diffuse incoming natural light to cut the glare and heat on warm days.
“We’re happy to partner with the Window Covering Safety Council and our product vendors to inform consumers about these very important safety tips” said Rick Isenberg, Chief Marketing Officer of American Blinds, Wallpaper and More. “As parents, we tend to focus on child-safe things like car seats and outlets, and may forget about dangling cords. We’ve put extensive information in our Resource Center on Child Safety, including the Window Covering Safety Council’s SuperBaby videos, which will help parents focus on safety and smile at the same time.”
Join Window Covering Safety Month and keep your children safe and warm with cordless blinds from American Blinds, Wallpaper and More. To purchase cordless window blinds or shades, visit www.americanblinds.com/cordless.
ABOUT AMERICAN BLINDS, WALLPAPER AND MORE:
American Blinds, Wallpaper and More is the largest online retailer of brand name custom window treatments and wall coverings at savings from 25% - 85% off most retail store and home center prices. They carry all brand name blinds and wallpaper, including Hunter Douglas®, Bali®, Levolor®, Kirsch®, Waverly® and American Blinds®, their most popular brand. The company also sells home decorating products including curtains, draperies, custom framed wall art, and area rugs. Their website, www.americanblinds.com can search for over 500,000 wallpaper, border and fabric patterns by color, style and other keywords. Most merchandise is shipped via free ground delivery and is covered by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a Lowest Price Guarantee. For more than fifty years American Blinds, Wallpaper and More has provided high quality products to over 6 million customers nationwide.
Charles
Jan
27
Child Safety Online - Dont Wait!
Filed Under Parenting | Comments Off
The Parent Fairy asked:
As the internet becomes more of a social medium it brings with it some of the social problems of society. Problems such a bullying and predatory adults who seek out weak and venerable people such as children and exploit them. Child safety online is an issue every parent/guardian faces and is one that must be addressed immediately upon your child having online access.
Here are areas parents MUST show diligence in to protect their children online.
1. Talk to your child about the potential dangers of the Internet and how to protect themselves. Let your child know how serious an issue this is and that you will be monitoring their usage and checking their sites in order to keep them safe.
- Tell your child the following.
- Not to put any personal information online anywhere.
- If your older children are using a chatroom be sure they know to immediately exit if they
feel uncomfortable in any way.
- Never agree to meet in person, or send personal photographs to anyone they meet online.
- Never respond to messages containing offensive or threatening language.
- Always check with mom or dad before going into an online area that has fees or charges.
2. Parents need to adhere to the following and manage these on a regular basis.
- Block sites that could harm or violate privacy. It is suggested to block sites like Facebook and MySpace. However if your older children are using these sites then parents need monitor their friends list and photographs.
- Be sure there are no inappropriate comments in their profile and check uploaded videos from YouTube.
- Monitor their use of email programs such as MSN and Yahoo.
- If your child chats, monitor who they chat with and when.
- Get your school age child’s user ID and password to their social networking page. Check it often, and note down anything that you think threatens their safety.
- Be aware of the amount of time your child spends online. Monitor them closely to make sure they’re using the Internet safely.
- Keep the computer somewhere that you can monitor the screen easily from time to time. A placewhere you can casually glance at it and check the screen.
- Take advantage of your Internet service providers parental controls. These controls can block access to certain Web sites, chat rooms, newsgroups and other things on the Internet that are not suitable for children.
- Your child’s school should have an acceptable use policy for Internet access. Be sure this is in effectat the school and that student Internet use is monitored by teachers.
- Discuss online safety with friends’ parents and find out if the children are monitored online.
- Keep your ears open for comments from your child with regards to their friends and their interactiononline. Don’t assume all parents have every angle covered. Remember there is no full proof system for their safety.
- It is important to maintain an open line of communication with your child so transparency is important. Let your child know you will be monitoring his online activity and that you will be checking his sites, emails, and chatrooms.
Ensure that your children dont get caught up in the social problems of society, unfortunately these get into your home via the internet so keep them and yourselves safe from predators online.
There are many reasons kids are not safe online know what they are and how other kids not being safe online can spread from your child’s school to your home. child safety online.
Viola
As the internet becomes more of a social medium it brings with it some of the social problems of society. Problems such a bullying and predatory adults who seek out weak and venerable people such as children and exploit them. Child safety online is an issue every parent/guardian faces and is one that must be addressed immediately upon your child having online access.
Here are areas parents MUST show diligence in to protect their children online.
1. Talk to your child about the potential dangers of the Internet and how to protect themselves. Let your child know how serious an issue this is and that you will be monitoring their usage and checking their sites in order to keep them safe.
- Tell your child the following.
- Not to put any personal information online anywhere.
- If your older children are using a chatroom be sure they know to immediately exit if they
feel uncomfortable in any way.
- Never agree to meet in person, or send personal photographs to anyone they meet online.
- Never respond to messages containing offensive or threatening language.
- Always check with mom or dad before going into an online area that has fees or charges.
2. Parents need to adhere to the following and manage these on a regular basis.
- Block sites that could harm or violate privacy. It is suggested to block sites like Facebook and MySpace. However if your older children are using these sites then parents need monitor their friends list and photographs.
- Be sure there are no inappropriate comments in their profile and check uploaded videos from YouTube.
- Monitor their use of email programs such as MSN and Yahoo.
- If your child chats, monitor who they chat with and when.
- Get your school age child’s user ID and password to their social networking page. Check it often, and note down anything that you think threatens their safety.
- Be aware of the amount of time your child spends online. Monitor them closely to make sure they’re using the Internet safely.
- Keep the computer somewhere that you can monitor the screen easily from time to time. A placewhere you can casually glance at it and check the screen.
- Take advantage of your Internet service providers parental controls. These controls can block access to certain Web sites, chat rooms, newsgroups and other things on the Internet that are not suitable for children.
- Your child’s school should have an acceptable use policy for Internet access. Be sure this is in effectat the school and that student Internet use is monitored by teachers.
- Discuss online safety with friends’ parents and find out if the children are monitored online.
- Keep your ears open for comments from your child with regards to their friends and their interactiononline. Don’t assume all parents have every angle covered. Remember there is no full proof system for their safety.
- It is important to maintain an open line of communication with your child so transparency is important. Let your child know you will be monitoring his online activity and that you will be checking his sites, emails, and chatrooms.
Ensure that your children dont get caught up in the social problems of society, unfortunately these get into your home via the internet so keep them and yourselves safe from predators online.
There are many reasons kids are not safe online know what they are and how other kids not being safe online can spread from your child’s school to your home. child safety online.
Viola