Keeping Your Children Safe

Protecting children from danger tops the list of parents priorities. It’s important to teach children the dangers associated with fire, water, strangers and other perils. Keep children safe by educating them about preventive ways and by practicing safety measures.

In Case Of Fire

Teach Children about fire related danger. Do not let them play with matches, candles, lighters, electrical outlets etc. Keep the away from kitchen appliances, fireplaces, barbecues, fire pits etc. Draw a map of your house indicating the exit doors and windows and teach your children at least two escape routes. Practice these escape routes every couple of months, so in case of a fire, they will know what to do.

Learn To Swim

Enrol your children in swimming lessons. They will learn water safety as well. Life Jackets should always be worn when children are at the beach swimming in the lake, pool, pond or river. My personal opinion, anyone no matter what age, should always have a life jacket on when swimming, and I think this should be made a law, just like having a helmet on whenever your ride your bike.

CPR Is Critical

Parents should all learn CPR , especially with children who are handicapped/have an illness and who have access to pools, ponds etc. CPR courses are available through the City Parks, various Rec programs and through St. John Ambulance.

Be Sure To Buckle Up

Buckle up children in infant seats, boosters and seat belts according to age and weight. Children under the age of 12 are prohibited from sitting in the front seat of any vehicle. Visit a Car Seat Inspection Centre to ensure that your car seats etc have been installed correctly .

Safety First

Insure that your home is safe for your children. Gate all areas that will prevent your child from falling down the stairs. Keep all doors locked and install safety latches that are out of reach from your children.

Keep all harmful products ie cleaning products, soaps, detergents out of reach and in a locked cabinet. All medications, pain ,prescriptions, vitamins, creams, cosmetics…etc, out of reach and in a locked cabinet as well.

Online Dangers

Monitor your childs internet use and install parental control on the computers. Review your childs email on a regular basis. Educate your children about the dangers of personally meeting anyone they contact on the internet and avoid giving information such as phone numbers and addresses.

The Buddy System

Talk to your children about safety when playing outside or walking to and from school. They should have a buddy system. They should be taught to never approach vehicles . They should never take short cuts. They should understand that it is okay to say NO if an adult is making them uncomfortable or scared

Parents- always listen to your children, do not make them afraid to come to you about anything.
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