Window Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury to children, and falls from windows involving young children are especially serious. Window falls are preventable. To prevent window falls, parents and caregivers should: ■ Install approved window guards. Massachusetts building codes require that a window guard must have a quick- release that can be operated by an adult or older child in an emergency. Be sure the window guards you purchase include this feature. Window stops and window guards can be purchased at local hardware stores and chain department stores. Window stops range in cost from $5-10 each. Child safety window guards cost about $40, depending upon the style/brand/window size. It is important to remember that these need to be installed correctly in order to work. ■ Keep all furniture, especially beds, sofas and dressers, or anything else children can climb, away from windows. ■ Lock all unopened doors and windows. ■ Open windows from the top down, especially when there are children in the home. ■ If you must open windows from the bottom, buy window-stops at your local hardware store that will limit the opening to less than 4 inches. Window-stops can be disabled by an adult or older child in an emergency

Weekly Car Seat Safety Clinic

Not Even For a Minute

On a day that is just 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature [inside a car] can increase by 30 to 40 degrees in an hour, and 70% of this increase occurs the first 30 minutes

Top Tips

Reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT.



A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.



C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.



T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.



- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/heatstroke#sthash.EATF6gIV.dpuf     video: http://www.safekids.org/video/simulation-rapid-and-extreme-car-heating-direct-sunlight

Holiday eCard | Safety at Home

Holiday eCard | Safety at Home

Halloween Safety

Halloween: A Night for Treats, Not Tragedies What You Need to Know to Keep Your Kids Safe on Halloween?  When it comes to preventing injury and keeping your kids safe on Halloween we have found that repeated and consistent messages are the keys to safety. Our research reveals that parents may be placing their children in harm’s way by failing to talk to them each and every year about Halloween safety. Given children’s limited attention spans, as well as their ever-evolving cognitive abilities, you must review all the correct behaviors with your children to help them be safe. Make sure to review our safety tips before you headout trick-or-treating. Did you know that on average, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween as compared to any other day of the year? Kids will be out while it is dark – making it harder for drivers to see them and because they’re excited about getting candy, they may not be watching out for cars. Parents and drivers both need to do their part to help kids stay out of the emergency room on Halloween. Emphasize safe pedestrian behaviors to kids before they go out trick-or-treating. Parents should also remember that costumes can be both creative and safe, so look for ways to use reflective materials. Drivers must slow down and watch out for trick-or-treaters, especially around crosswalks and driveways. Top tips to keep your kids safe on Halloween For parents and children: Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Parents should remind children to watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don't run, across the street. For drivers: Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways. Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day so you can spot children from greater distances. Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle. Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Costumes and Treats Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and choose light colored costumes to improve visibility. Choose face paint and make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision. Look for non-toxic designations when choosing Halloween makeup. Avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as to be seen by drivers. Liquid in glow sticks is hazardous, so parents should remind children not to chew on or break them. Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded or torn, or if the candy is unwrapped. More About Pedestrian Safety Pedestrian Safety Resources Halloween Research Report Halloween Safety Tip Sheet Photos Showing Safe Behavior http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-spotlight/halloween-safety/#__utma=1.2141962091.1332787304.1350923922.1350924422.16&__utmb=1.0.10.1350924422&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1350916439.14.3.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=safe%20kids%20of%20western%20mass&__utmv=-&__utmk=94479772

Why Pedestrian Safety is Important

Walking Safely Tips Tips for Walkers Developmentally, most kids can't judge speeds and distances until at least age 10, so younger kids need to cross with an adult Did you know most walking injuries happen mid-block or someplace other than intersections? Whenever possible, cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, and keep looking and listening while crossing Walk, don't run, when crossing the street It's always best to walk on sidewalks or paths, but if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible Remove headphones when crossing the street If you need to use your phone, stop walking Distraction among drivers is at an all-time high today, so try to make eye contact with the driver before you step into the road Tips For Drivers Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones, before and after school hours Most walkers are injured mid-block, not at intersections, so watch out for kids who may dart into traffic or cross where they shouldn't Give pedestrians the right of way at a crosswalk Using cell phones, even hands-free, makes it harder for drivers to be alert to walkers who may also be distracted on cell phones Share This

http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-resources-by-risk-area/pedestrian/why-pedestrian-safety-is-important.html

Up Coming Car Seat Check Up Events

November 1^st

BH Ambulance

345 Page Boulevard

We will have appointments from 9am-5pm, but extra appointments 11am-2pm

 

November 2^nd

Holyoke Fire Department

600 High Street

11am-2pm

November 6^th

Kohl’s Department Stores (Kohl’s Donation Announcement Event)

Riverdale Road, West Springfield

11am-3pm

November 8^th

Ludlow Boys and Girls Club

91 Claudia Way

10:30am-1:30pm

Be Safe Halloween 2012

Holyoke Fire Department
Be Safe Halloween 2012
600 High St. Holyoke
2:00 to 6:00 pm

Fire Safety

Plan and Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan 

During National Fire Prevention Week (October 7-13), Safe Kids Worldwide and the United States Fire Administration are teaming up to ask every family to create a home fire escape plan and to practice it with the entire family. We are working to raise awareness on fire safety all month long.

• Every day at least one child dies in a home fire. In that same day, 293 children suffer from a non-fatal unintentional injury caused by a fire or burn. 

• Home fires account for nearly 90 percent of all fire-related fatalities.

• 77 percent of families have not developed and practiced a home fire escape plan, one of the most important components to surviving a home fire.

• Fire can spread rapidly through a home, leaving a family as little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds.

• Safe Kids and the United States Fire Administration are encouraging everyone to create and practice an at-home fire escape plan.

• Download our fire escape worksheet, in English or in Spanish.  The worksheet provides a diagram to help children and parents work together to create and practice their own fire escape plan.
• http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-spotlight/plan-and-practice-your-home-fire-escape/  

car seat check up event

Safe Kids of western Mass 2011



Childproofing Your Home

Did you know that every year, there are more than 3,000,000 unintentional injuries to children 14 and under that happen in the home and require care in an emergency room?

That is equal to 8,219 injuries per day. Sadly, each day approximately six children die from injuries resulting from fires, burns, drownings, poisonings, choking, suffocation, strangulation and falls in the home.

Curious Kids

Young children are curious and don’t always understand what is dangerous. Have you asked yourself how your kids see your home? What looks interesting, and what can be reached? Drawers left open can easily turn into stairs to the TV!

Limitations and Abilities

Understanding your child’s limitations and abilities is crucial. For babies, provide a safe sleep environment and protect them from falls and burns.
Babies who can sit and crawl are also at risk of choking, poisoning, burns, falls and furniture tip-overs. Once your little one becomes mobile and begins to cruise around, childproofing becomes even more important.

Supervision and Modifications

While constant supervision is the most important safety precaution you can take, it’s sometimes not enough or possible. To create a safer home for your child, look for potential hazards and take steps to remove them before it’s too late.
Outlet plugs, cabinet and drawer locks, window stops, window guards, furniture straps and brackets, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and stair gates are some of the low-cost safety devices you’ll need to get started.
Help your little ones explore their surroundings safely, knowing you have reduced the chances of serious injury.


http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-spotlight/childproofing-your-home/home-safety-checklist.html


http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-spotlight/childproofing-your-home/home-safety-checklist-safety-by-room.html

Safety By Room

Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer

 

 

 

 

Creeping silently through your home, there's a killer that gives no warning. This killer is carbon monoxide. An invisible and odorless gas, carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when burning any fuel, such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, or charcoal. It is a silent killer, which causes illness by decreasing the amount of oxygen present in the body.

 

Young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide, because of their smaller bodies. Children process carbon monoxide differently than adults, may be more severely affected by it, and may show symptoms sooner.

 

You won't know that you have a carbon monoxide leak, without a working detector. If you burn any fuels for heat or cooking, be sure that you have a working carbon monoxide detector and deter this silent killer.

 

Follow some simple safety tips to help protect your family.

  

• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• The most common symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. In severe cases,the person may lose consciousness or die.
• CO poisoning can often be mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu.  
• Often, more than one person in the household will suffer symptoms at the same time.
• To decrease risk of CO poisoning the following tips are recommended:
• Install a CO alarm outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• Place CO alarms at least 15 feet away from every fuel-burning appliance to reduce the number of nuisance alarms.
• Test alarms every month and replace them every five years.
• Make sure alarms can be heard when you test them and practice an escape plan with your entire family.
• Have all gas, oil or coal burning appliances inspected by a technician every year to ensure they are working correctly and are properly ventilated.
• Never use a stove for heating.
• Do not use a grill, generator or camping stove inside your home, garage or near a window.
• Never leave a car, SUV, or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.
• CO can accumulate anywhere in or around your boat, so install a CO alarm on your motorboat.
• If your CO alarm goes off, follow these steps:
• Get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible into fresh air. Then call for help from a neighbor’s home or a cell phone outside of your home.
• If someone is experiencing CO poisoning symptoms, call 911 for medical attention.
• If no one is experiencing symptoms, call the fire department. They will let you know when it is safe to re-enter your home.

 

Christmas Tree Safety

Trim the Tree Safely

 

Trimming the tree is a traditional holiday pastime. However, if they are not properly cared for, Christmas trees can pose a serious danger. The Home Safety Council offers the following tips to keep in mind when selecting and caring for your Christmas tree this holiday season:

 

• When buying a live tree, look at the needles. If they are brown or break easily, choose another tree. Test for freshness by bending a few needles in half. If the needles snap in two, the tree is dry - look for a tree with needles that spring back to their original shape.  
• When you take your tree home, put it in a sturdy, non-tip stand filled with water.
• Give the tree plenty of water. Dry trees can catch on fire easily.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any flame or heat source.
• Never put candles on or near your tree.  
• Put your tree near the electrical outlet. Do not block the exit.
• Before you put the lights on the tree, look at every bulb. If the string of lights does not look perfect, throw the lights away and get new ones.  
• Lights do not last long. Replace your lights as soon as you see any signs of damage.
• Look on the box for a mark that says ETL, UL or CSA. This means the lights have been tested for safety.
• Read the directions. Only use as many strings of lights as it says is safe to use.
• When decorating indoors, use only those lights listed for indoor use. Unplug all lights, inside and out, before going to bed or leaving home.
• Safely get rid of your tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are flammable. They should not be left inside the home or garage, or placed against the house.  
• Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
• Make sure your family knows what to do to get outside safely in a fire. Practice a family fire drill so your family and guests know the plan.

 When finding and caring for your Christmas tree this holiday season, just remember the word "STAR":

 

 

Space: Keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source or flames such as candles and fireplaces.

 

Turn off the lights when you leave the room or go to sleep.

 

Add water daily to keep your tree from drying out too fast.

 

Replace lights when they are cracked or the wire is frayed. Holiday lights should be replaced about every 3 years. Look for the UL label on the box so you know they have been tested for safety


http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_holiday_w002.asp

Tips for Holiday Electrical Safety

 

 

Holiday lights help make the season beautiful. They can also cause home fires. To keep your family safe:

 

 

Look at each string of lights carefully. If any are cracked or damaged, buy new ones

 

 

 

When you buy new lights, look at the box for a label that shows they have been tested for safety, such as ETL or UL.

 

Follow the directions on the box. It will tell you how many strings to use together. As a rule, UL recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.

 

 

Hang or mount light strands carefully to avoid damaging the cord's insulation

 

Do not plug in too many things at one time. Use a surge protector.

• Unplug all holiday lights when you go to sleep or leave home.

• Plug outdoor decorations into outlets protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent shock.

 Automatic lighting timers can be used to ensure that lights are not left on by mistake. These are available for both indoor and outdoor use.

 

Do not put electrical cords under rugs. Try to keep them away from places people walk.

 

When replacing a holiday bulb, be sure to use the correct bulb size (wattage) that is right for the fixture.

 

Use safety caps to keep children from putting things into electrical receptacles/outlets.

 

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_holiday_w001.asp

Rear-Facing – The Facts and the Myths CPS CEUS

Rear-Facing – The Facts and the Myths

Join us for a Webinar on December 8
Space is limited.

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/574025522

The enhanced protection provided by rear-facing child restraints has been known for years in technical circles, and the body of evidence supporting an extended rear-facing period is growing. Authoritative bodies like the AAP and NHTSA have consistently expanded and reinforced their recommendations for keeping children facing the rear longer with each revision of their positions, and the maximum limits of many child restraint models have followed suit. Nevertheless, most children are faced forward long before they reach those limits, and generalizations about how rear-facing child restraints should be installed and used continue in the advocate arena.

This session looks at the facts about rear-facing child restraints, along with some of the educational issues that need to be updated, corrected and refined. Attendees will receive:

- Awareness of recent research on rear-facing effectiveness

- A better understanding of how rear-facing child restraints perform

- A better understanding of injuries reduced by longer rear-facing use

- A better understanding of child restraint installation and usage techniques that can reduce the need for foam noodles and locking clips

- Awareness of features that may enhance rear-facing protection

Dorel Juvenile Group and Safe Ride News are proud to sponsor this webinar in partnership with Joseph M. Colella, Child Passenger Safety Instructor from Traffic Safety Projects. By participating in this webinar, you are eligible to receive one CEU credit towards your Child Passenger Safety Technician or Instructor certification.

Joe Colella is a nationally respected consultant, speaker, instructor, correspondent and advocate. Since becoming involved in occupant protection advocacy, he has worked on improvement and educational efforts with many national organizations. He was also one of the original certified instructors for the National Standardized CPS Training Program, is a past Chairman of the National CPS Board, and has personally helped with education in 45 states.

Title:
Rear-Facing – The Facts and the Myths

Date:
Thursday, December 8, 2011

Time:
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST


After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer