For parents with children in child care, knowing what kind of plan is in place, and what to do in case of emergencies, is essential. Make sure you know the what, when, where, and how of your child care provider’s emergency action plan by asking your child care provider these 10 questions:
1. If a disaster hits our area, do you have a written emergency preparedness plan?
2. How will you safely get my child to a safe, predetermined location?
3. How and when will I be notified if a disaster occurs when my child is in child care?
4. If I cannot get to my child during or after a disaster, how will you continue to care for my child?
5. Have you and your staff received training on how to respond to my child’s physical and emotional needs during and after a disaster?
6. What kinds of records on children are kept and made available during a disaster?
7. Will you teach my older child what to do during an emergency?
8. Do you have a disaster kit with enough food, water and other essentials to meet my child’s needs for at least three days?
9. Do the state and local emergency management agencies and responders know about your child care program and where it is located?
10. How may I help you during and after a disaster?
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Safe Work and Play for children on Farms
Safe Work and Play for children on Farms
Publication Date: August 14, 2005
Written By: Treena Abdellatif and Saskatchewan Labour, Farm Safety Division
http://www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/print/your_health/health_matters/safe_farm_play_printable_08_14_05.htmEvery year, numerous Saskatchewan children are injured or killed in farm accidents that, in most cases, could have been prevented. Agriculture is one of our largest industries, and unfortunately, also one that experiences the most serious injuries.
Increased awareness of the dangers that children may face on the farm, and knowing how to avoid those dangers, can help prevent these accidents and their tragic results. The North American Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT), developed by experts across North America, can help prevent farm-related child injuries by providing parents with information about when children can most appropriately take on farm tasks. The guidelines provide practical safety standards for 62 different jobs that farm children from 7 to 16 years of age typically perform.
For example, one of the posters titled “Working with Large Animals”:
details a number of specific responsibilities of adults to ensure child safety (e.g., ensure ventilation system is working before child enters a closed building)
outlines the main hazards faced by children in this task
outlines the training required for children to perform the job safely (e.g., adult demonstrated safe behaviour around animals)
asks questions about the child’s ability/maturity in the context of the task (e.g., can the child react quickly)
Children up to 7 years of age, who are not involved in farm tasks, require safe play areas. Farm children need the same level of non-hazardous, interesting play areas as urban children, even though their play area is in a work environment.
The best defence against on-farm injuries and childhood deaths is to have childcare away from the work site. Pre-schoolers have a short attention span, are curious by nature, and often cannot memorize rules.
When planning a safe play area, consider the following:
select a location away from roadways and heavy equipment
find a space that is interesting to the child, with enough room to run and explore
buy play equipment that is safe and age-appropriate
choose an area that can be easily supervised by an adult
fence the area to provide the most protection
For more information on NAGCAT, call 1-877-419-3510 or visit Saskatchewan Labour’s website at www.labour.gov.sk.ca .
This article was co-authored by Saskatchewan Labour, Farm Safety Division and Saskatoon Health Region.
http://www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/print/your_health/health_matters/safe_farm_play_printable_08_14_05.htm
make your kids safe and happy when get summer vacation
Having come from a large family, I learned at a very young age to share and to make do with what I had. Unfortunately, in today's day and age, children have more and therefore, are harder to please. Simple pleasures seem to have been conveniently forgotten.
It’s so easy you’ll hit yourself over the head for not having thought of it earlier.
If your child is exhibiting signs of restlessness, it may be time to take a step backward and rediscover the simple pleasures.
Children should be encouraged to spend time outdoors. As the care-giver, your job includes slapping on the sun block and opening the door. Period. Children can and will entertain themselves if you step aside.
Hand them a box of colored chalk and watch their imaginations flow. Add a large bottle of bubbles and there's no telling how high they can fly. Add glycerine to dish soap and water and make your own bubble blow. Pour the liquid into a frying pan and cut out the inside of a fly swatter, leaving just the outside edge and you've created a tool for monster bubbles. Could your kid resist that?
And let's not forget the simple sand box. Every child, regardless of age, enjoys the sand box. Purchase castle molds, they're not just for the beach, you know, and let your child create. Let them get wet and dirty, without reprimand, and they'll soon have the garden hose added to the mix as they construct a castle moot, and make rainbows in the grass.
If you have the space, allow your child his or her own space for gardening. I promise you, they'll love it. Give them the freedom to choose their own flowers, but make sure they're in charge of upkeep. You'll be surprised at how eager they will be keep their garden looking it's best. Harvesting and drying flowers and herbs can be a fun project the two of you can enjoy together, as well.
There is much to be said about the proverbial ‘‘Lemonade Stand,” but, unless you plan on spending a lot of time with your child, I wouldn't suggest it. Children and strangers, even nice ones who look as though they're only interested in lemonade, don't mix.
Here is a short list of some summer safety tips provided by the Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, Washington:
1.) Do not leave children unattended in or near the water. Be sure to use personal floatation devices on boats, docks, and near deep or fast-moving water.
2.) When riding bikes, skateboards, roller-blades, or scooters, make sure children always wear a helmet.
3.) Be sure to protect children from excessive exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., when the sun's ray are at their strongest.
4.) When playing on or near playground equipment, make sure children are supervised at all times. Keep them away from the front and back of swings while they are in use.
5.) Keep children away from where lawnmowers are being used, and never allow them to ride on riding lawn mowers.
6.) To minimize the risk of insect stings, have children wear shoes and light-colored clothing. Use insect repellent minimally on young children and never on infants.
7.) Know the plants in your yard and teach children not to pick or eat anything without first checking with an adult. You can contact your local poison control center to receive a list of poisonous plants.
8.) Keep children away from barbecues and bonfires. Always have water present when fire is being used. Never let children near lighter fluid.
9.) When traveling by car or plane, be sure children are strapped in a properly fitting seat belt, car seat, or booster seat.
Some additional tips provided by Kid Source include:
1.) It is important that, depending upon the age of your child, he knows his name, phone number, address, and, if possible, have the child remember the name and phone number of a close relative or friend.
2.) Never leave a child alone in a hot car, even if only for a minute. It can be 90 degrees outside and 150 degrees inside the car.
3.) Make sunscreen part of your daily routine in the morning. Even if your child does not tend to burn, skin damage can occur. Don't forget to put some on yourself, too!
4.) Be sure your child takes swimming lessons, not only for pleasure, but for safety reasons, too.
5.) Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water. Avoid sodas, as they can dehydrate you.
6.) When supervising children playing in the pool, never turn your back. Accidents can happen in a second.
7.) Be sure to wear hats. They can protect the ears and back of the neck from sunburn. Sunglasses protect the eyes.
8.) Even though it is summer and school is not in session, be sure to maintain some semblance of a schedule and make sure children get plenty of sleep.
9.) When travelling by car on a family vacation, be sure to have on a hand a first aid kit, some water, and some non-perishable snacks. If there is room, be sure to throw in an extra set of clothing and extra diapers for those short day trips that turn into an all-day adventure!
10.) Never send your child alone to use a public restroom.
11.) Find out where local CPR classes are held and sign up with a friend. It never hurts to learn and/or refresh what we know!
12.) Does your child love to ride his bike? Make sure the helmet still fits correctly. If not, get a new one.
13.) Review sidewalk safety and driveway safety with your children. Make sure they know not to cross the street without an adult present. Even if your street is relatively traffic-free, never take for granted that a car might be coming down the road.
14.) Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. They include excessive thirst, profuse sweating, muscle cramps, vomiting, fainting, dizziness, and fatigue. The skin will usually feel cold and clammy to the touch.
By keeping these safety tips in mind, your summer should prove to be a very enjoyable and memorable season!
Several other inexpensive ways to keep children happy, safe and quiet, are the library and Vacation Bible programs. Check into your library for summer programs, or sign your child up for his or her first library card. Vacation Bible School is another great source of entertainment and education. Give the local church a call and see what they have in store for this summer.
The rewards are endless!
It’s so easy you’ll hit yourself over the head for not having thought of it earlier.
If your child is exhibiting signs of restlessness, it may be time to take a step backward and rediscover the simple pleasures.
Children should be encouraged to spend time outdoors. As the care-giver, your job includes slapping on the sun block and opening the door. Period. Children can and will entertain themselves if you step aside.
Hand them a box of colored chalk and watch their imaginations flow. Add a large bottle of bubbles and there's no telling how high they can fly. Add glycerine to dish soap and water and make your own bubble blow. Pour the liquid into a frying pan and cut out the inside of a fly swatter, leaving just the outside edge and you've created a tool for monster bubbles. Could your kid resist that?
And let's not forget the simple sand box. Every child, regardless of age, enjoys the sand box. Purchase castle molds, they're not just for the beach, you know, and let your child create. Let them get wet and dirty, without reprimand, and they'll soon have the garden hose added to the mix as they construct a castle moot, and make rainbows in the grass.
If you have the space, allow your child his or her own space for gardening. I promise you, they'll love it. Give them the freedom to choose their own flowers, but make sure they're in charge of upkeep. You'll be surprised at how eager they will be keep their garden looking it's best. Harvesting and drying flowers and herbs can be a fun project the two of you can enjoy together, as well.
There is much to be said about the proverbial ‘‘Lemonade Stand,” but, unless you plan on spending a lot of time with your child, I wouldn't suggest it. Children and strangers, even nice ones who look as though they're only interested in lemonade, don't mix.
Here is a short list of some summer safety tips provided by the Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, Washington:
1.) Do not leave children unattended in or near the water. Be sure to use personal floatation devices on boats, docks, and near deep or fast-moving water.
2.) When riding bikes, skateboards, roller-blades, or scooters, make sure children always wear a helmet.
3.) Be sure to protect children from excessive exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., when the sun's ray are at their strongest.
4.) When playing on or near playground equipment, make sure children are supervised at all times. Keep them away from the front and back of swings while they are in use.
5.) Keep children away from where lawnmowers are being used, and never allow them to ride on riding lawn mowers.
6.) To minimize the risk of insect stings, have children wear shoes and light-colored clothing. Use insect repellent minimally on young children and never on infants.
7.) Know the plants in your yard and teach children not to pick or eat anything without first checking with an adult. You can contact your local poison control center to receive a list of poisonous plants.
8.) Keep children away from barbecues and bonfires. Always have water present when fire is being used. Never let children near lighter fluid.
9.) When traveling by car or plane, be sure children are strapped in a properly fitting seat belt, car seat, or booster seat.
Some additional tips provided by Kid Source include:
1.) It is important that, depending upon the age of your child, he knows his name, phone number, address, and, if possible, have the child remember the name and phone number of a close relative or friend.
2.) Never leave a child alone in a hot car, even if only for a minute. It can be 90 degrees outside and 150 degrees inside the car.
3.) Make sunscreen part of your daily routine in the morning. Even if your child does not tend to burn, skin damage can occur. Don't forget to put some on yourself, too!
4.) Be sure your child takes swimming lessons, not only for pleasure, but for safety reasons, too.
5.) Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water. Avoid sodas, as they can dehydrate you.
6.) When supervising children playing in the pool, never turn your back. Accidents can happen in a second.
7.) Be sure to wear hats. They can protect the ears and back of the neck from sunburn. Sunglasses protect the eyes.
8.) Even though it is summer and school is not in session, be sure to maintain some semblance of a schedule and make sure children get plenty of sleep.
9.) When travelling by car on a family vacation, be sure to have on a hand a first aid kit, some water, and some non-perishable snacks. If there is room, be sure to throw in an extra set of clothing and extra diapers for those short day trips that turn into an all-day adventure!
10.) Never send your child alone to use a public restroom.
11.) Find out where local CPR classes are held and sign up with a friend. It never hurts to learn and/or refresh what we know!
12.) Does your child love to ride his bike? Make sure the helmet still fits correctly. If not, get a new one.
13.) Review sidewalk safety and driveway safety with your children. Make sure they know not to cross the street without an adult present. Even if your street is relatively traffic-free, never take for granted that a car might be coming down the road.
14.) Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. They include excessive thirst, profuse sweating, muscle cramps, vomiting, fainting, dizziness, and fatigue. The skin will usually feel cold and clammy to the touch.
By keeping these safety tips in mind, your summer should prove to be a very enjoyable and memorable season!
Several other inexpensive ways to keep children happy, safe and quiet, are the library and Vacation Bible programs. Check into your library for summer programs, or sign your child up for his or her first library card. Vacation Bible School is another great source of entertainment and education. Give the local church a call and see what they have in store for this summer.
The rewards are endless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
