Here at Ident-A-Kid, in addition to child identification, we are concerned about your child’s safety. Sprint’s Family Locator is a great way to know where your child is if he/she is carrying their cell phone. Below is some information from www.nextel.com about Sprint’s Family Locator.
Sprint Family Locator is the convenient, reliable and secure way to find family members—instantly— from any Web-enabled mobile phone or any computer connected to the Web.
Key Features
Real-time interactive satellite maps with street addresses and landmarks
Safety ChecksSM. Send automatic notifications of child's location on specific days and at precise times.
See where children have been by using maps featuring 7 days of historical locations.
Send text messages to the children you're locating from your phone or the web.
Access is password-protected so only authorized parents and guardians can locate children.
What You will Need
Phones
Parents & Guardians. You can locate your children from any web-enabled computer or mobile phone after you sign up online.
Children. You don't need to install anything on the phones you wish to locate. Sprint Family Locator uses the GPS technology already built-in to every Sprint phone, so it is compatible with every Sprint phone.
Plan and Plan Add-Ons
Once you've signed up for Sprint Family Locator, no additional add-ons are necessary to use the service. However, since the service sends text messages to phones when they are located, you may want to add a Messaging add-on to your plan to avoid per-message fees.
If you would like to locate your child from your phone, you can simply point your mobile web browser to www.SFLmobile.com and sign on. There is no additional charge to use the mobile Web application once you've signed up, however, a data transfer fee of $.03 may apply without a data pack or data-included plan.
Pricing
Sprint Family Locator - $5/mo. per family (includes up to 4 locatable phones per family).
For more information about Sprint’s Family Locator, visit www.nextel.com or http://www.nextel.com/en/services/gps/family_locator.shtml
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Check out this Halloween Safety Game that you and your children can play to make sure they are ready for Halloween safety!
Here at Ident-A-Kid, in addition to child identification, we are also concerned with your child’s safety when engaging in the upcoming Halloween festivities. It is vitally important to make sure you and your child know all that you can in order to keep your child safe. Below are some safety rules, provided by the Los Angeles Fire Department at www.lafd.org, about before, during, and after trick-or-treating and some safe alternatives for you, your family, and your community.
BEFORE HALLOWEEN:
1. Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
2. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
3. Secure an Ident-A-Kid child identification card somewhere in your child’s costume and with you as well.
4. Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
5. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
6. Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
7. Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
8. Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.
9. This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms.
10. Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.
11. Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire.
12. Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.
13. Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.
14. Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.
15. Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.
FUN ALTERNATIVES:
1. Find a special event or start one in your own neighborhood.
2. Community Centers, Shopping Malls and Houses of Worship may have organized festivities.
3. Share the fun by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or Senior Center.
4. Create an alliance with College Fraternities, Sororities or Service Clubs for children's face painting or a carnival.
BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN:
1. A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
2. Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
3. While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O' Lantern, leave the carving to adults.
4. Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
5. Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
6. Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.
7. Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.
8. Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins or a cell phone for non-emergency phone calls.
9. Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
10. Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
11. Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.
WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:
A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
Remind Trick-or-Treaters:
1. By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
2. Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
3. Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
4. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
5. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
6. Never cut across yards or use alleys.
7. Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
8. Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
9. Always walk. Never run across a street.
10. Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
11. Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
12. Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.
13. Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
14. No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.
15. Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:
1. Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
2. Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
3. Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.
We wish you a safe and happy Halloween!
To learn more about Halloween safety from the Los Angeles Fire Department, visit http://www.lafd.org/hween.htm
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fire Safety
Here at Ident-A-Kid, in addition child identification, we are also concerned with your child’s physical safety. Did you know that having a working smoke alarm in your house reduces the chances of dying in a fire by ½? In preparation of fire safety week, October 4-10, we have put together some fire safety tips for you and your family. The U.S. Fire Administration provides some very good fire safety tips below.
Fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1-14. Children ages 5 and under are at a greater risk from home fire-related death and injury, with a fire death rate 1.5 times the national average. This is because they are less aware of danger, have less control over their environment, and limited ability to act correctly during an emergency.
The U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. For 1998, the U.S. fire death rate was 14.9 deaths per million population. Between 1994 and 1998, an average of 4,400 Americans lost their lives and another 25,100 were injured annually as the result of fire. About 100 firefighters are killed each year in duty-related incidents. Each year, fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined. Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the home; at least 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in residences. About 2 million fires are reported each year. Many others go unreported, causing additional injuries and property loss. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually.
• Teach children not to play with matches, lighters, flares, fireworks and gasoline cans. Keep matches, lighters, gasoline and other flammable materials out of the sight and reach of children.
• Keep a fire extinguisher (“ABC” symbol) in the kitchen and garage. Be sure it is “UL” or “FM” rated.
• Install smoke detectors in your home in every bedroom and on every level. Test them monthly. Replace the batteries at least once each year.
• Plan and practice fire escape routes from the house. Choose a meeting place, a safe distance outside the house.
• Never leave small children alone in the kitchen or bathroom – for even a few seconds.
• In the kitchen, use back burners and turn pot handles to the back of the stove so that pots do not get knocked over.
• If grease catches fire, smother the flames with a pan lid – never throw water on a grease fire.
• Never carry children and hot foods or liquids at the same time.
• Lower your water heater to 120 degrees or buy an anti-scald device.
• In the bathroom, always test the water temperature before placing a child in the bathtub. Place one hand in the water with fingers wide, and move it back and forth for several seconds checking for hot spots.
• Never touch connected electrical appliances or cords with wet hands of feet. Do not reach for radios, telephones, or hair dryers while in the bath or shower.
• Unplug appliances when they are not being used. Unplug any appliances that smokes or smells as if it is burning, then have it repaired or replace it.
• Do not overload extension cords or run them under rugs.
• Keep furnaces and wood-burning stoves working well. Make sure they are not near combustible walls, ceilings, furniture or drapes.
For more information about fire safety, visit the U.S. Fire Administration website,
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/
Fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1-14. Children ages 5 and under are at a greater risk from home fire-related death and injury, with a fire death rate 1.5 times the national average. This is because they are less aware of danger, have less control over their environment, and limited ability to act correctly during an emergency.
The U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. For 1998, the U.S. fire death rate was 14.9 deaths per million population. Between 1994 and 1998, an average of 4,400 Americans lost their lives and another 25,100 were injured annually as the result of fire. About 100 firefighters are killed each year in duty-related incidents. Each year, fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined. Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the home; at least 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in residences. About 2 million fires are reported each year. Many others go unreported, causing additional injuries and property loss. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually.
• Teach children not to play with matches, lighters, flares, fireworks and gasoline cans. Keep matches, lighters, gasoline and other flammable materials out of the sight and reach of children.
• Keep a fire extinguisher (“ABC” symbol) in the kitchen and garage. Be sure it is “UL” or “FM” rated.
• Install smoke detectors in your home in every bedroom and on every level. Test them monthly. Replace the batteries at least once each year.
• Plan and practice fire escape routes from the house. Choose a meeting place, a safe distance outside the house.
• Never leave small children alone in the kitchen or bathroom – for even a few seconds.
• In the kitchen, use back burners and turn pot handles to the back of the stove so that pots do not get knocked over.
• If grease catches fire, smother the flames with a pan lid – never throw water on a grease fire.
• Never carry children and hot foods or liquids at the same time.
• Lower your water heater to 120 degrees or buy an anti-scald device.
• In the bathroom, always test the water temperature before placing a child in the bathtub. Place one hand in the water with fingers wide, and move it back and forth for several seconds checking for hot spots.
• Never touch connected electrical appliances or cords with wet hands of feet. Do not reach for radios, telephones, or hair dryers while in the bath or shower.
• Unplug appliances when they are not being used. Unplug any appliances that smokes or smells as if it is burning, then have it repaired or replace it.
• Do not overload extension cords or run them under rugs.
• Keep furnaces and wood-burning stoves working well. Make sure they are not near combustible walls, ceilings, furniture or drapes.
For more information about fire safety, visit the U.S. Fire Administration website,
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH YOUR CHILD
Here at Ident-A-Kid, in addition to child identification, we are also concerned with your child’s safety when traveling in a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, www.nhtsa.gov, has issued some safety tips to follow when traveling with your child. Below is a tip that involves traveling with your school-age child that we here at Ident-A-Kid think is very important. For more information on safety when traveling with your child, visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/newtips/index.htm
TRAVELING SAFELY WITH PRESCHOOL & SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
A child should stay in a child safety seat with a full harness as long as possible, until about 4 years old. If the child's shoulders are above the top set of harness slots, a combination child seat/booster seat with higher harness slots is a good choice.
• A child over 4 years old may be ready for a booster seat. Booster seats make the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt fit properly. They keep the lap belt from causing injury to the child's abdomen and keep the shoulder belt in place to give the child upper body protection.
• Some younger children may outgrow the weight limit of their child safety seat with a harness and may not be ready to stay seated properly in a booster seat. Look for a child restraint with a higher weight limit.
• All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least 8 years old, unless they are 4' 9" tall. Always make sure the child fits the adult safety belt properly.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR OLDER CHILDREN
• Backless belt-positioning booster seats: Use the vehicle lap and shoulder belt and provide good belt fit on the child. Some older types may come with a removable shield; remove the shield and use the seat with the vehicle lap and shoulder belt.
• High-back belt-positioning booster seats: Use the vehicle lap and shoulder belt. Some are combination child seat/booster seats with a removable harness: They can be used with the harness for a younger child under 40 pounds and then as a belt-positioning booster seat for an older child.
• Specialized restraints include child safety seats with harness labeled for use over 40 pounds, and other harness or shield type restraints. Check for a label stating seat meets federal safety standards. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT RESTRAINT FOR THE CHILD AND VEHICLE
• A belt-positioning booster seat is the best choice if the car has combination lap and shoulder belts in the rear seat, and the child has outgrown the forward facing seat.
• If the child's ears come above the top of the vehicle seat, use a booster seat with a high back to improve neck protection. A specialized restraint may also be an option.
• A combination child seat/booster seat with a removable harness may fit a child from OVER age 1 to age 8 or more. Check the label for the weight limit on the harness.
• If the vehicle only has lap belts it's safer for a child to use a lap belt than to ride without any restraint. Be sure to keep the lap belt low and snug across the thighs. If the lap belt rides up on the stomach it could cause serious injuries in a crash. Other options could include having shoulder belts installed.
WHY USE A BOOSTER SEAT INSTEAD OF AN ADULT SAFETY BELT?
• Safety belts were designed for adults. Until age 8, most children have not developed strong hipbones, and their legs and body are too short to allow for proper fit of a safety belt.
• Many young children do not sit still enough or straight enough to keep lap belts low across their thighs. A belt that rides up on the tummy could cause serious internal injuries.
• Booster seats are comfortable for children because they allow their legs to bend normally, and they enjoy being able to see out of the window.
USING A BELT-POSITIONING BOOSTER SEAT
• Place the booster seat flat on vehicle seat.
• Sit the child on the booster seat, place the lap and shoulder belt over the child and buckle the safety belt.
• Adjust the lap belt so it lays snugly across child's upper thighs, not across the tummy.
• Adjust the shoulder belt and thread through shoulder belt positioner (if available) so that shoulder belt lays snugly across the center of the child's shoulder. Check safety belt fit often.
• Buckle the booster seat in even when the child is not in it. A loose booster seat can injure others in a crash.
WHEN IS A CHILD READY FOR THE ADULT SAFETY BELT?
• To be able to fit a safety belt, a child must:
Be tall enough to sit without slouching,
Keep his/her back against the vehicle seat back,
Keep his/her knees completely bent over the edge of the seat,
Keep his/her feet flat on the floor, and
Be able to stay comfortably seated this way.
• The lap belt must fit low and tight across the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should rest over the center of the shoulder and across the chest.
• NEVER put the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the child's back. This can cause severe head injuries or internal injuries in a crash. If the safety belt does not fit properly the child should use a belt-positioning booster seat.
• Always check belt fit on the child in every vehicle. A belt-positioning booster seat may be needed in some vehicles and not in others.
For more information, contact the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT
(1-888-327-4236) or www.nhtsa.dot.gov
TRAVELING SAFELY WITH PRESCHOOL & SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
A child should stay in a child safety seat with a full harness as long as possible, until about 4 years old. If the child's shoulders are above the top set of harness slots, a combination child seat/booster seat with higher harness slots is a good choice.
• A child over 4 years old may be ready for a booster seat. Booster seats make the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt fit properly. They keep the lap belt from causing injury to the child's abdomen and keep the shoulder belt in place to give the child upper body protection.
• Some younger children may outgrow the weight limit of their child safety seat with a harness and may not be ready to stay seated properly in a booster seat. Look for a child restraint with a higher weight limit.
• All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least 8 years old, unless they are 4' 9" tall. Always make sure the child fits the adult safety belt properly.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR OLDER CHILDREN
• Backless belt-positioning booster seats: Use the vehicle lap and shoulder belt and provide good belt fit on the child. Some older types may come with a removable shield; remove the shield and use the seat with the vehicle lap and shoulder belt.
• High-back belt-positioning booster seats: Use the vehicle lap and shoulder belt. Some are combination child seat/booster seats with a removable harness: They can be used with the harness for a younger child under 40 pounds and then as a belt-positioning booster seat for an older child.
• Specialized restraints include child safety seats with harness labeled for use over 40 pounds, and other harness or shield type restraints. Check for a label stating seat meets federal safety standards. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT RESTRAINT FOR THE CHILD AND VEHICLE
• A belt-positioning booster seat is the best choice if the car has combination lap and shoulder belts in the rear seat, and the child has outgrown the forward facing seat.
• If the child's ears come above the top of the vehicle seat, use a booster seat with a high back to improve neck protection. A specialized restraint may also be an option.
• A combination child seat/booster seat with a removable harness may fit a child from OVER age 1 to age 8 or more. Check the label for the weight limit on the harness.
• If the vehicle only has lap belts it's safer for a child to use a lap belt than to ride without any restraint. Be sure to keep the lap belt low and snug across the thighs. If the lap belt rides up on the stomach it could cause serious injuries in a crash. Other options could include having shoulder belts installed.
WHY USE A BOOSTER SEAT INSTEAD OF AN ADULT SAFETY BELT?
• Safety belts were designed for adults. Until age 8, most children have not developed strong hipbones, and their legs and body are too short to allow for proper fit of a safety belt.
• Many young children do not sit still enough or straight enough to keep lap belts low across their thighs. A belt that rides up on the tummy could cause serious internal injuries.
• Booster seats are comfortable for children because they allow their legs to bend normally, and they enjoy being able to see out of the window.
USING A BELT-POSITIONING BOOSTER SEAT
• Place the booster seat flat on vehicle seat.
• Sit the child on the booster seat, place the lap and shoulder belt over the child and buckle the safety belt.
• Adjust the lap belt so it lays snugly across child's upper thighs, not across the tummy.
• Adjust the shoulder belt and thread through shoulder belt positioner (if available) so that shoulder belt lays snugly across the center of the child's shoulder. Check safety belt fit often.
• Buckle the booster seat in even when the child is not in it. A loose booster seat can injure others in a crash.
WHEN IS A CHILD READY FOR THE ADULT SAFETY BELT?
• To be able to fit a safety belt, a child must:
Be tall enough to sit without slouching,
Keep his/her back against the vehicle seat back,
Keep his/her knees completely bent over the edge of the seat,
Keep his/her feet flat on the floor, and
Be able to stay comfortably seated this way.
• The lap belt must fit low and tight across the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should rest over the center of the shoulder and across the chest.
• NEVER put the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the child's back. This can cause severe head injuries or internal injuries in a crash. If the safety belt does not fit properly the child should use a belt-positioning booster seat.
• Always check belt fit on the child in every vehicle. A belt-positioning booster seat may be needed in some vehicles and not in others.
For more information, contact the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT
(1-888-327-4236) or www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Thursday, September 10, 2009
10 Things Parents Should Know About the H1N1 Virus / Swine Flu
Information Parents Should Know About the H1N1 Virus, or, Swine Flu
In addition to child identification and child safety, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with the physical health of your child. The H1N1 virus, or Swine Flu has been a serious topic of concern among parents, schools, and officials across the country. It is important to make sure that you and your children are fully aware of the symptoms of Swine Flu and the risks that are present. It is also important to know how to guard against these risks to be sure you and your children stay healthy. Below is a list provided by Education.com of 10 things you should know about how to prevent and stop the spreading of the H1N1 virus.
1. Focus on the Obvious: Make sure to wash your hands often and for at least 30 seconds (as long as it takes to sing the ABC’s). Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep and rest. Keep your hands to yourself and don’t share utensils or food. Don’t handle other people’s food and don’t let anyone handle your food. When you have to sneeze or cough, if there isn’t a tissue available, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
2. Teach Kids that Five Feet is the Magic Number: Make sure your child knows to keep their distance away from someone who is coughing, sneezing, or sniffling, even if it seems rude. 5 feet of distance is a good amount of space to leave between you and someone that appears to be ill.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces Regularly: Make sure to wipe down all the surfaces that you and your family touches the most with disinfectant. Surfaces like the handle of a refrigerator, handrails, counters, and the outsides of garbage cans collect germs all day long. It is important to keep those surfaces clean.
4. Be Prepared to Take Time Off: According to the WHO, we are in a pandemic. In a real pandemic 1 in 3 people have the disease or carry it. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say that parents should be prepared to keeps kids home for 7 days and at least 24 hours once their fever is gone. Make sure that you have a plan for who will take care of your child if he/she becomes sick. Kids can be contagious for as long as 10 days, but are most contagious from the day before they show symptoms to 5-7 days afterwards. Understand that Quarantine May be Necessary: H1N1 is highly contagious. The best way to keep the rest of the family safe is to confine the child that’s ill to a certain part of the home. If there is more than one bathroom, then have your child use one that no one else can use. Although it may seem insensitive, masking yourself around your sick child may also be a good idea in order to prevent the spread of the virus. To minimize spreading, try to have only one parent take care of the child.
5. Consider the H1N1 Vaccine: A vaccine for H1N1 is in the works. According to the CDC, it may be available as early as October. To be effective, though, kids need two doses, spaced several weeks apart, so they will not be fully protected until late winter. Because the vaccines are being rushed to market, there will also not be that much time for testing them. Discuss with your partner how you feel about the H1N1 vaccine, so you’re prepared to act upon its release.
6. Invest in a Can of Disinfectant: Coughing, sneezing, and talking causes tiny droplets to fall to the ground by gravity. You can fight some of these germs with a can of disinfectant with a high alcohol content. Spray it in the center of the room, in a circular motion. That’s a good weapon against something, like flu, that primarily spreads through the air.
7. Keep Tabs on Your Child’s Friends: One of the CDC's prevention recommendations for school administrators is “social distancing”: moving desks further apart, dividing classes into smaller groups, holding classes outside or in larger classrooms, and taking other measures to limit each child’s proximity to someone who might be sick. Keeping your child home and locked in her bedroom is obviously over the top, but it makes sense to check with a friend’s parent before a play date to make sure no one in the household is sick, and to keep your child away from any family with cold symptoms.
8. Avoid Public Transportation: If at all possible, the CDC recommends skipping the school bus and public transit during the heart of H1N1 season.
9. Get the Facts Straight: Although H1N1 is also known as swine flu, it cannot be transmitted by eating pork or spending time on a farm. It is also not transmitted through pool water. The main way H1N1 spreads is through person-to-person contact— usually by being near someone who is sick and is coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Red Flags for H1N1:
If your child becomes sick with flu-like symptoms and experiences any of the following CDC warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
For more information about the H1N1 Virus, symptoms, and how to prevent it, visit: www.education.com. For the article that these tips and tricks came from, visit: http://www.education.com/magazine/article/H1N1forparents/.
In addition to child identification and child safety, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with the physical health of your child. The H1N1 virus, or Swine Flu has been a serious topic of concern among parents, schools, and officials across the country. It is important to make sure that you and your children are fully aware of the symptoms of Swine Flu and the risks that are present. It is also important to know how to guard against these risks to be sure you and your children stay healthy. Below is a list provided by Education.com of 10 things you should know about how to prevent and stop the spreading of the H1N1 virus.
1. Focus on the Obvious: Make sure to wash your hands often and for at least 30 seconds (as long as it takes to sing the ABC’s). Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep and rest. Keep your hands to yourself and don’t share utensils or food. Don’t handle other people’s food and don’t let anyone handle your food. When you have to sneeze or cough, if there isn’t a tissue available, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
2. Teach Kids that Five Feet is the Magic Number: Make sure your child knows to keep their distance away from someone who is coughing, sneezing, or sniffling, even if it seems rude. 5 feet of distance is a good amount of space to leave between you and someone that appears to be ill.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces Regularly: Make sure to wipe down all the surfaces that you and your family touches the most with disinfectant. Surfaces like the handle of a refrigerator, handrails, counters, and the outsides of garbage cans collect germs all day long. It is important to keep those surfaces clean.
4. Be Prepared to Take Time Off: According to the WHO, we are in a pandemic. In a real pandemic 1 in 3 people have the disease or carry it. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say that parents should be prepared to keeps kids home for 7 days and at least 24 hours once their fever is gone. Make sure that you have a plan for who will take care of your child if he/she becomes sick. Kids can be contagious for as long as 10 days, but are most contagious from the day before they show symptoms to 5-7 days afterwards. Understand that Quarantine May be Necessary: H1N1 is highly contagious. The best way to keep the rest of the family safe is to confine the child that’s ill to a certain part of the home. If there is more than one bathroom, then have your child use one that no one else can use. Although it may seem insensitive, masking yourself around your sick child may also be a good idea in order to prevent the spread of the virus. To minimize spreading, try to have only one parent take care of the child.
5. Consider the H1N1 Vaccine: A vaccine for H1N1 is in the works. According to the CDC, it may be available as early as October. To be effective, though, kids need two doses, spaced several weeks apart, so they will not be fully protected until late winter. Because the vaccines are being rushed to market, there will also not be that much time for testing them. Discuss with your partner how you feel about the H1N1 vaccine, so you’re prepared to act upon its release.
6. Invest in a Can of Disinfectant: Coughing, sneezing, and talking causes tiny droplets to fall to the ground by gravity. You can fight some of these germs with a can of disinfectant with a high alcohol content. Spray it in the center of the room, in a circular motion. That’s a good weapon against something, like flu, that primarily spreads through the air.
7. Keep Tabs on Your Child’s Friends: One of the CDC's prevention recommendations for school administrators is “social distancing”: moving desks further apart, dividing classes into smaller groups, holding classes outside or in larger classrooms, and taking other measures to limit each child’s proximity to someone who might be sick. Keeping your child home and locked in her bedroom is obviously over the top, but it makes sense to check with a friend’s parent before a play date to make sure no one in the household is sick, and to keep your child away from any family with cold symptoms.
8. Avoid Public Transportation: If at all possible, the CDC recommends skipping the school bus and public transit during the heart of H1N1 season.
9. Get the Facts Straight: Although H1N1 is also known as swine flu, it cannot be transmitted by eating pork or spending time on a farm. It is also not transmitted through pool water. The main way H1N1 spreads is through person-to-person contact— usually by being near someone who is sick and is coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Red Flags for H1N1:
If your child becomes sick with flu-like symptoms and experiences any of the following CDC warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
For more information about the H1N1 Virus, symptoms, and how to prevent it, visit: www.education.com. For the article that these tips and tricks came from, visit: http://www.education.com/magazine/article/H1N1forparents/.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Child Internet Safety
Here at Ident-A-Kid, in addition child identification, we are also concerned with your child’s safety when they are online. The Federal Bureau of Investigations www.fbi.gov has issued a pamphlet on your child’s internet safety. Below are some highlights from the pamphlet that we here at Ident-A-Kid think are very important. For more information on internet safety, visit
One thing that is important to be aware of are the signs that indicate that your child might be at risk when they are online. The Federal Bureau of Investigations outline the following indicators of internet risk:
1. Your child spends a large amount of time on the internet, especially at night
• Many children that fall victim to computer sex offenders are those who spend a lot of time on the internet and internet chat rooms. Children who spend a lot of time online are looking to chat with friends, make new friends, find information, and just generally pass the time. Sometimes children spend a lot of their time looking for sexually explicit information as well. Parents should be acutely aware of the time their child is spending on the internet and what they are doing while online
• Many sexual offenders spend their evenings searching for pornography and trying to locate or lure children. Children are at the greatest risk when they are online during the evening hours. However, it is important to remember that these things can happen at any time of the day as well.
2. You find pornography on the computer your child uses.
• Sexual offenders will often give their potential victims pornography in order to start sexual conversations. Child pornography is sometimes used by offenders to show children that sex between adults and children is “okay.” Your child may also try to hide the pornography by putting it on a separate drive, like a flash drive. Be sure to know what is on your children’s electronic devices.
3. Your child is making or receiving calls from people you don’t recognize or numbers you don’t recognize.
• Sex offenders will try to get your child to talk on the telephone to either set up a meeting or engage your child in explicit conversations. Although your child may not give out his/her number, the offender will give the child their number. The offender may also ask the child to call collect or the offender may set up an 800 number so that the parents will not find out.
4. Your child is receiving mail, gifts, or packages from someone you do not know.
• Offenders will commonly send their potential victims letters, photos, gifts, or even plane tickets. It is important to know what your children are receiving and who they are receiving it from.
5. When you come into the room your child quickly turns off the computer monitor or changes the screen on the monitor.
• If your child does this, they may be trying to hide that they are looking at pornography or having explicit conversations.
6. Your child has become withdrawn from the family.
• Offenders will take any chance they can to drive distance between you and your child. They may accentuate minor problems at home in order to do this. If your child has been sexually victimized, he/she may also withdraw from the family and those close to them.
7. Your child is using an online account that belongs to someone else.
• Your child may be using the internet at a friend’s house or at the library. Computer sex offenders sometimes will provide potential victims with a computer account so that your child can communicate with them.
If you suspect your child is communicating with a sexual predator online, the Federal Bureau of Investigation gives the following suggestions as to what steps can be taken to ensure your child’s safety:
1. Talk openly about your child about your suspicions and tell them what dangers are out there involving computer sex offenders.
2. Review what is on your child’s computer. While using the internet browser select tools, then internet options. This way you can look through the internet history on the computer.
3. Use Caller ID service and use the telephone company’s service to block your number from showing on other Caller IDs. You can also use the telephone company’s service to reject numbers that you specifically block. This will help to prevent sex offenders from calling your home anonymously.
4. Monitor your child’s access to live electronic communication like chat rooms, instant messaging, etc. and child’s email.
Should any of the following situations arise in your household, via the Internet or on-line service, you should immediately contact your local or state law enforcement agency, the FBI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:
1. Your child or anyone in the household has received child pornography;
2. Your child has been sexually solicited by someone who knows that your child is under 18 years of age;
3. Your child has received sexually explicit images from someone that knows your child is under the age of 18.
• If one of these scenarios occurs, keep the computer turned off in order to preserve any evidence for future law enforcement use. Unless directed to do so by the law enforcement agency, you should not attempt to copy any of the images and/or text found on the computer.
For more information about internet safety, visit http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/parentsguide.pdf or www.fbi.gov
One thing that is important to be aware of are the signs that indicate that your child might be at risk when they are online. The Federal Bureau of Investigations outline the following indicators of internet risk:
1. Your child spends a large amount of time on the internet, especially at night
• Many children that fall victim to computer sex offenders are those who spend a lot of time on the internet and internet chat rooms. Children who spend a lot of time online are looking to chat with friends, make new friends, find information, and just generally pass the time. Sometimes children spend a lot of their time looking for sexually explicit information as well. Parents should be acutely aware of the time their child is spending on the internet and what they are doing while online
• Many sexual offenders spend their evenings searching for pornography and trying to locate or lure children. Children are at the greatest risk when they are online during the evening hours. However, it is important to remember that these things can happen at any time of the day as well.
2. You find pornography on the computer your child uses.
• Sexual offenders will often give their potential victims pornography in order to start sexual conversations. Child pornography is sometimes used by offenders to show children that sex between adults and children is “okay.” Your child may also try to hide the pornography by putting it on a separate drive, like a flash drive. Be sure to know what is on your children’s electronic devices.
3. Your child is making or receiving calls from people you don’t recognize or numbers you don’t recognize.
• Sex offenders will try to get your child to talk on the telephone to either set up a meeting or engage your child in explicit conversations. Although your child may not give out his/her number, the offender will give the child their number. The offender may also ask the child to call collect or the offender may set up an 800 number so that the parents will not find out.
4. Your child is receiving mail, gifts, or packages from someone you do not know.
• Offenders will commonly send their potential victims letters, photos, gifts, or even plane tickets. It is important to know what your children are receiving and who they are receiving it from.
5. When you come into the room your child quickly turns off the computer monitor or changes the screen on the monitor.
• If your child does this, they may be trying to hide that they are looking at pornography or having explicit conversations.
6. Your child has become withdrawn from the family.
• Offenders will take any chance they can to drive distance between you and your child. They may accentuate minor problems at home in order to do this. If your child has been sexually victimized, he/she may also withdraw from the family and those close to them.
7. Your child is using an online account that belongs to someone else.
• Your child may be using the internet at a friend’s house or at the library. Computer sex offenders sometimes will provide potential victims with a computer account so that your child can communicate with them.
If you suspect your child is communicating with a sexual predator online, the Federal Bureau of Investigation gives the following suggestions as to what steps can be taken to ensure your child’s safety:
1. Talk openly about your child about your suspicions and tell them what dangers are out there involving computer sex offenders.
2. Review what is on your child’s computer. While using the internet browser select tools, then internet options. This way you can look through the internet history on the computer.
3. Use Caller ID service and use the telephone company’s service to block your number from showing on other Caller IDs. You can also use the telephone company’s service to reject numbers that you specifically block. This will help to prevent sex offenders from calling your home anonymously.
4. Monitor your child’s access to live electronic communication like chat rooms, instant messaging, etc. and child’s email.
Should any of the following situations arise in your household, via the Internet or on-line service, you should immediately contact your local or state law enforcement agency, the FBI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:
1. Your child or anyone in the household has received child pornography;
2. Your child has been sexually solicited by someone who knows that your child is under 18 years of age;
3. Your child has received sexually explicit images from someone that knows your child is under the age of 18.
• If one of these scenarios occurs, keep the computer turned off in order to preserve any evidence for future law enforcement use. Unless directed to do so by the law enforcement agency, you should not attempt to copy any of the images and/or text found on the computer.
For more information about internet safety, visit http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/parentsguide.pdf or www.fbi.gov
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Back to School Child Safety
As you and your children transition into the back-to-school routine, important safety tips and precautions should be given top priority. In addition to making sure that you have an up-to-date Ident-A-Kid card for your child’s Identification, The U.S. Department of Justice and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have compiled ten Tips for Parents or Guardians for back to school safety.
1. Instruct your children to always take a friend, always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas. Teach them to stay aware of their surroundings and observe all traffic rules in place to more safely share the roads and sidewalks with others.
2. Walk the route to and from school with your children pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they're being followed or need help. Make the walk to and from school a "teachable moment" and chance to put their skills to the test. Make a map with your children showing acceptable routes to and from school. If your children wait for a bus, wait with them or make arrangements for supervision at the bus stop.
3. If anyone bothers your children or makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, while going to or from school, teach your children to trust their feelings, immediately get away from that person, and tell you or another trusted adult. If an adult approaches your children for help or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children for help; they should ask other adults. Instruct your children to never accept money or gifts from anyone unless you have told them it is okay to accept in each instance.
4. Even though there can be safety in numbers it is still not safe for young children to walk to and from school, especially if they must take isolated routes anytime during the day or in darkness. Always provide supervision for your young children to help ensure their safe arrival to and from school.
5. Instruct your children to leave items and clothing with their name on them at home. If anyone calls out their name, teach them to not be fooled or confused. Teach your children about the tricks someone may try to use to confuse them or engage them in conversation. Children should also be taught that they do not need to be polite if approached and to get out of the situation as quickly and safely as possible.
6. Ensure current and accurate emergency contact information is on file for your children at their school. If you, or another trusted family member or friend, need to pick your children up, make sure to follow the school's departure procedures. These procedures need to include the school's confirmation of your children's departure with only those you authorize to pick them up.
7. Teach your children if anyone tries to take them somewhere they should quickly get away and yell, "This person is trying to take me away" or "This person is not my father/mother/guardian." Teach your children to make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting if anyone tries to grab them.
8. Teach your children if anyone follows them on foot to get away from that person as quickly as possible. If anyone follows them in a vehicle they should turn around, go in the other direction, and try to quickly get to a spot where a trusted adult may help them. Advise them to be sure to tell you or another trusted adult what happened.
9. Instruct your children to never leave school with anyone until they've checked with a trusted adult. If anyone tells them there is an emergency and they want your children to go with them, teach your children to always check first with you before doing anything. Also teach your children to always check first with you if they want to change their plans before or after school. Make sure your children always play with other children, have your permission to play in specific areas, and let you know where they are going to be. Instruct your children to tell a trusted adult if they notice anyone they don't know or feel uncomfortable with hanging around them.
10. In the event your children may be lost or injured, make sure they carry a contact card with your name and telephone numbers such as work and cellular. This card should be hidden from plain view.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also highlight the following 5 tips to reinforce with your children:
1. Always TAKE A FRIEND with you when walking, biking, or standing at the bus stop. Make sure you know your bus number and which bus to ride.
2. Say NO to anyone you don’t know or a person who makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused
3. Quickly get away and YELL, “THIS PERSON IS NOT MY MOTHER/FATHER/GUARDIAN” if anyone tries to take you somewhere or is following you. If anyone tries to grab you, make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
4. NEVER LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS before the regular school day ends. Always check with the office and me before leaving school early.
5. NEVER take shortcuts or walk through alleys to get to or from school. We will talk about which way to go to and from school. Remind me if activities you participate in cause you to leave earlier or arrive home later than usual. Remember to call me once you have arrived home.
For more information or to see the source of these Child Safety Tips, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Website at www.missingkids.com
1. Instruct your children to always take a friend, always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas. Teach them to stay aware of their surroundings and observe all traffic rules in place to more safely share the roads and sidewalks with others.
2. Walk the route to and from school with your children pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they're being followed or need help. Make the walk to and from school a "teachable moment" and chance to put their skills to the test. Make a map with your children showing acceptable routes to and from school. If your children wait for a bus, wait with them or make arrangements for supervision at the bus stop.
3. If anyone bothers your children or makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, while going to or from school, teach your children to trust their feelings, immediately get away from that person, and tell you or another trusted adult. If an adult approaches your children for help or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children for help; they should ask other adults. Instruct your children to never accept money or gifts from anyone unless you have told them it is okay to accept in each instance.
4. Even though there can be safety in numbers it is still not safe for young children to walk to and from school, especially if they must take isolated routes anytime during the day or in darkness. Always provide supervision for your young children to help ensure their safe arrival to and from school.
5. Instruct your children to leave items and clothing with their name on them at home. If anyone calls out their name, teach them to not be fooled or confused. Teach your children about the tricks someone may try to use to confuse them or engage them in conversation. Children should also be taught that they do not need to be polite if approached and to get out of the situation as quickly and safely as possible.
6. Ensure current and accurate emergency contact information is on file for your children at their school. If you, or another trusted family member or friend, need to pick your children up, make sure to follow the school's departure procedures. These procedures need to include the school's confirmation of your children's departure with only those you authorize to pick them up.
7. Teach your children if anyone tries to take them somewhere they should quickly get away and yell, "This person is trying to take me away" or "This person is not my father/mother/guardian." Teach your children to make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting if anyone tries to grab them.
8. Teach your children if anyone follows them on foot to get away from that person as quickly as possible. If anyone follows them in a vehicle they should turn around, go in the other direction, and try to quickly get to a spot where a trusted adult may help them. Advise them to be sure to tell you or another trusted adult what happened.
9. Instruct your children to never leave school with anyone until they've checked with a trusted adult. If anyone tells them there is an emergency and they want your children to go with them, teach your children to always check first with you before doing anything. Also teach your children to always check first with you if they want to change their plans before or after school. Make sure your children always play with other children, have your permission to play in specific areas, and let you know where they are going to be. Instruct your children to tell a trusted adult if they notice anyone they don't know or feel uncomfortable with hanging around them.
10. In the event your children may be lost or injured, make sure they carry a contact card with your name and telephone numbers such as work and cellular. This card should be hidden from plain view.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also highlight the following 5 tips to reinforce with your children:
1. Always TAKE A FRIEND with you when walking, biking, or standing at the bus stop. Make sure you know your bus number and which bus to ride.
2. Say NO to anyone you don’t know or a person who makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused
3. Quickly get away and YELL, “THIS PERSON IS NOT MY MOTHER/FATHER/GUARDIAN” if anyone tries to take you somewhere or is following you. If anyone tries to grab you, make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
4. NEVER LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS before the regular school day ends. Always check with the office and me before leaving school early.
5. NEVER take shortcuts or walk through alleys to get to or from school. We will talk about which way to go to and from school. Remind me if activities you participate in cause you to leave earlier or arrive home later than usual. Remember to call me once you have arrived home.
For more information or to see the source of these Child Safety Tips, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Website at www.missingkids.com
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