On the Road - BUCKLE UP

The rule for kids in a car or truck is simple, no matter how short the trip—BUCKLE UP. It is the law in most all states, but should be a rule for every kid in America.

1. Infant and toddler seats should be used for all children up to the age of four.* Instructions for proper installation are included with your safety seat, or you can visit your local fire station for help.
2. For kids from age four to eight or over 40 pounds, booster seats are strongly recommended.
3. Your baby brother or sister should sit in an infant seat that faces the back of the car until they are 20 pounds or about age one.
4. Be sure your seat belt fits and doesn’t hurt your neck or face. If it hurts, tell your parents or the person driving the car.

*Rules are different in every state—ask an adult what kind of seat belt or safety seat you might need.

In the Air

Traveling on an airplane is fun—especially when you are going to a special place. When you get ready to fly, remember these important tips.

Carry a backpack or carry on

1. Be sure your carry on is light enough to move quickly in the airport.
2. Leave out anything that is sharp or dangerous (knife, scissors, etc.).
3. Pack a sweater or jacket if the airplane gets cold.
4. Pack toys or activities that won’t make noise to disturb others—remember headphones for electronic games.
5. Bring your favorite snacks and drinks.
6. Have parents put important contact information in your carry on (home and destination phone numbers).

Safety on the airplane

1. Always leave your seat belt buckled when sitting in your seat.
2. Listen to the flight attendant—especially when they tell you when to turn off electronic equipment.
3. Never sit in an exit row.
4. Ask for a pillow or blanket from the flight attendant if you are cold or want to sleep.
5. It is a good idea to take an adult with you when going to the bathroom.
6. Never run up and down the aisle.
7. Know where the closest exit is to your seat—ask a flight attendant if you do not see it.

If you are traveling alone, be sure not to share personal information with someone sitting next to you. Tell the flight attendant if you feel uncomfortable about the way an adult is treating you. Ask for help from the flight attendants on your airline—not a stranger. Airlines have special rules for kids who are traveling alone--have an adult check the safety rules before your fly.

Be a super flyer!

An airplane is a very small place with a lot of people--ALWAYS BE COURTEOUS TO THOSE SITTING AROUND YOU

-talk quietly

-don’t kick the seat in front of you

-help other kids around you

-don’t fight with brothers or sisters

-use headphones with electronic games

Top 7 List of Common Household Dangers for Kids

1. Electrical Outlets – Kids fingers or hand-held metal objects should never meet an electrical outlet. Have your parents cover them with safety caps and covers or place furniture in front of them so the littlest ones can’t get near them.

2. Chemicals and Medicines – Every year over 1 million kids eat or drink poison. If you see laundry products, cleaners, pool chemicals, shampoo, perfumes, make-up, or something that looks dangerous, have an adult put it in a safe place or locked in a cabinet. Always have an adult help you take medicine. Great tasting medicines can be very dangerous and make you very, very sick—even kill you. For more information visit www.aapcc.org.

3. Water – Hot water can cause serious burns. Never hop in the tub without testing the water first; the water temperature should not be hotter than 100 F. Be careful around other areas where there is hot water—coffee machines or near the stove. Kids can drown in just an inch of water. Guard washing machines, pails, tubs, and never leave a baby unattended in a bathtub.

4. Furniture and Rugs – Kids have been hurt or killed by the furniture and rugs in their homes. Be sure an adult repairs broken furniture, cover sharp corners on tables and counters with corner cushions, keep chairs away from counters or cabinets, bolt shelves and dressers to the wall, keep floors clear and vacuumed, and install childproof safety latches on lower cabinet doors. Rugs should be secured or have non-slip cushions under them. Consider the dangers of having a child on the top of a bunk bed—falling from a bunk bed is one of the greatest causes of fractures and brain injury in the home.

5. Cords and Ties – Beware of electrical cords, curtains, window blinds and strings or ties from clothing. Kids can easily strangle themselves—especially babies and toddlers. Keep them tied up and out of reach.

6. Windows and Doors – Keep all outside windows and doors locked at all times. Ask an adult about putting a security alarm (especially on an upstairs window) to warn if the window or door has been opened.

7. Guns – Guns are not a toy and should be respected. If you ever find a gun, don’t touch it and tell an adult--ask them to lock it up and put the keys where kids can't get it. Talk to your parents about gun safety and the dangers of using a gun. If you are at a friend’s house and someone brings out a gun, say whatever you need to say to leave immediately.

Getting to and from school is the most dangerous part of a child's day. Take time to remind your child, again, of safety rules as they head back to school.

School Safety

Bicycle Safety

• Wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet.
• Walk your bicycle through intersections.
• Wear a bright backpack or jacket to improve visibility.
• Ride with traffic and be aware of traffic around you.
• Know the traffic laws and signals.
• Always wear reflective tape and light colored clothes if night riding is required.

Walking to School

• Find a responsible person to walk with you to school (parents can help).
• Cross streets only at the corner, marked pedestrian crossings, or with a crossing guard.
• Stop and look carefully before crossing, even with the right-of-way.
• Find the safest route to walk to and from school.
• Set a designated time to return home.
• Know neighbors to run for help if there is an emergency while walking.

Bus Safety

• Stay seated while sitting on a moving bus.
• Never run alongside a bus to catch it or open the closed doors.
• Move far away from the bus after exiting.
• Watch for cars that do not stop for the flashing lights of a bus.
• Stay away from the kids on the bus who are mean or always in trouble.
• Report anything dangerous that has happened on the bus to your parents or teacher.

And a safety tip for children and parents--Be sure to set up a method whereby a child can reach a parent if the parent is not at home before and after school.

Six Steps to Safer Schools

Recent headlines exposed the frightening reality of violent episodes that children are exposed to in schools. Today, parents have to become more proactive in teaching our youngsters how to cope with frustration and hostility and how to resolve conflicts without fighting. We need early intervention programs that teach students how to solve interpersonal problems for themselves. The Safe America Foundation suggests the following six-step procedure to curb violent behavior:

1. Establish a neutral location where conflicting parties agree to meet with a mediator.
2. Allow conflicting parties to air their points of view without interruption or judgment.
3. Find their own common interests.
4. Facilitate win-win options so each participant can gain a positive point in the solution.
5. Have parties develop criteria that each will agree on as a basis for the solution.
6. Create an agreement, in writing, with signed copies for all.