Archive for health & safety

Riding in Cars with Kids: Features for Child Car Seat Safety

May 20, 2013 | car talk, early years, health & safety | 1 Comment

Travelling with kids can be really fun. But, it could also be dangerous. A number of accidents have already resulted in serious injuries in kids who were not properly strapped. It is no wonder that even the product safety regulators have made it a point to impose standards in the manufacture of car seats for babies and toddlers. The array of car seats in the baby furniture stores might look cute and adorable but the most important consideration that you should have in choosing this important piece of child furniture is child car seat safety.

child car seat safetyThere are different safety considerations that you have to look for. First will have to be the construction of the car seat. The body should be made of sturdy material that is durable enough to carry the baby or the toddler’s weight. The harness configuration is also an important consideration. The 5-point harness is considered to be the safest as it secures the child snugly at the shoulders, hips, and groin. This buckles up in front right around the child’s chest and belt area. Most car seats manufactured by the world’s top brands carry safety seals from international product safety regulators. Look for these seals before you purchase your car seats. You might also want to check consumer reviews online to find out what other parents have experienced with their car seat purchases.

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How To Protect Your Family From Unexpected Events

April 18, 2013 | health & safety | 21 Comments

emergency preparednessThere are several things in life that we cannot control. Fortunately, it will be a lot easier for you to cope with the unexpected if you take the time to prepare. Below are some of the things that you will need to do to prepare for life’s unexpected events:

Get Trained In CPR And First Aid

If one of your loved ones becomes seriously ill or injured, then it is important for them to get help before the ambulance arrives. Seconds really do count during medical emergencies. You will learn what to do in the event of an emergency if you take CPR and first aid courses. These courses are offered by several non-profit organizations. You may be able to take a CPR and first aid course at your job.

Stock Your Emergency Kit

You can prepare for a natural disaster by stocking your emergency kit. Dry food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries and blankets are examples of some of the things that you need in emergency kit. This kit should have enough supplies to last for at least three days. If you frequently travel, then you should put an emergency kit in your car also.

Save Up Money

if you were to lose your job, then you want to make sure that you will be able to support yourself financially until you can get another one. That is why you should save at least 10 percent of each paycheck. You should keep saving until the amount of money in your account is equivalent to six months of your income. However, if you are married with children, then the amount of money in your account should be equivalent to a one month income.

Have Insurance

Life insurance, health insurance, home or renter’s insurance and trauma protection are some of the most important types of insurance. Life insurance will provide benefits to your loved ones when you die. Even if you are single with no dependents, you should still consider getting this type of insurance. Your loved ones could use the money to pay for your funeral if you were to pass away unexpectedly.

Health insurance is designed to cover medical expenses. Without health insurance, you could end up paying a lot of money just to see a doctor for a regular checkup. Many people complain about the rising cost of health insurance, but it can actually help you save money in the long run.

A fire, natural disaster or theft could cause you to lose all of your possessions. However, you may get financially compensated if you have home or renter’s insurance.

Trauma protection will provide you with a lump sum if you experience medical trauma that affects your life or lifestyle. This will help you to keep up with your family’s expenses until you can return to work.

With a few basic considerations, you can relax in the knowledge that you and your family will be able to make it through any challenges that life throws your way.

Written by Sally Fitzgerald.

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Five Ways to Make Your Kitchen Safer for Kids

March 27, 2013 | health & safety, house and home | 12 Comments

It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Families congregate in kitchens, talking, doing homework and coming together over meals. Unfortunately, according to latest statistics, a majority of injuries occur in and around the home, and the kitchen is arguably the most dangerous room in the house. Here are five tips to help make your family’s kitchen a safe place for kids.

kitchen safety for kids

Careful Storage

Examine your kitchen from a child’s perspective, and store dangerous items accordingly. Knives and appliances should be out of sight and out of reach. Store cleaning products and chemicals in a locked cabinet outside the kitchen; keeping them in a room associated with food and drink invites trouble. Don’t store children’s treats in plain sight, which encourages them to try to climb to reach them, and, as much as possible, keep toys and books out of the kitchen so children know it’s not a safe place to play.

Protective Measures

Keep cabinets and drawers locked and electrical outlets covered. Cover sharp corners, and add childproof doorknob covers to pantry or closet doors. Install a stove guard and oven lock, and use a baby gate to prevent young children from entering the kitchen during meal preparation. Be sure to have safety devices such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and first-aid kits in the kitchen and keep them in good working order.

Constant Supervision

Multi-tasking in the kitchen is a recipe for disaster. Never cook with a child in your arms, and never leave a hot stove or children unattended. If children are helping with meal preparation, choose age-appropriate tasks for them, and protect them with aprons and oven mitts when necessary. Instruct them in the proper use of all kitchen implements and appliances.

Burn Prevention

In addition to installing safety devices, choose a stove whose knobs are not easily accessible to children, and look for cooktops that do not use open flames. Never set hot items where children can reach them or place them on a table covered by a tablecloth children might pull down. Use care when pouring boiling water, and lower your hot water heater’s temperature to prevent scalding. Run dishwashers when children aren’t present to prevent steam burns.

Cleanliness

Clean up spills immediately to prevent falls, which the ABS says are one of the most common events leading to injury. Practice careful food preparation, especially when handling raw meats and fish. Be sure food-prep surfaces are cleaned and utensils are sanitized properly. Stainless steel sheets are used in professional kitchens for their ease of cleaning and low germ retention. Furthermore, you should follow heating and refrigeration guidelines, and don’t leave prepared food sitting out for long periods. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming, and wash hands before, during and after food preparation.

By taking a few precautions, you can make the room at the heart of your home safer for everyone. Teach children to respect the dangers of the kitchen, and practice constant vigilance when it comes to hot surfaces, dangerous items and preventive measures.

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