THE SUPER SITTER
In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are concerned about your child’s safety. There are certain things that you as parents should expect from the sitter and the sitter should expect from you. That's why the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has prepared this Super Sitter Guide. It is to help you become more aware of some of these guidelines, particularly:
• the need for constant observation and alertness to the child's environment
• selecting toys for children that are not dangerous
• the importance of children playing with toys in the proper manner
• the need for keeping children's products in good condition so they don't become dangerous for them to use
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE SITTER
There are certain do's and don'ts. In addition to "sitting" with the children, these are a few of the things you should know and remember as a Safe Sitter.
• Before the parents leave, get the names and phone numbers suggested in the Super Sitter's Very Important Phone Numbers List.
• Have the parents show you through the house or apartment and point out where the items you will need are located, such as the children's clothing or playthings.
• Always know where the emergency exits are located. In case of fire don't stop to try to put it out by yourself! Get the children out of the house without stopping to phone. Take them to a neighbor. Call the fire department, and then call the parents to let them know where you and the children are.
• Keep the youngsters safe by preventing accidents. Know where the potential hazards are, such as electrical outlets, appliances, and exposed heating elements. Also ask the parents if all medicine, bleaches and household cleaners are securely locked up.
• Stairs can be dangerous for youngsters. Keep a curious toddler from playing on or around them. Running or horseplay on them can lead to falls, particularly if the youngsters are wearing socks or other "slippery" footwear. Remember, too, that stairs are not meant to be a storage area. Anything placed on the stairs can become an obstacle to fall over.
• If there is a gate across the stairway, make sure it is kept latched. Babies in carriages, walkers or strollers should never be left unattended, especially in an area around stairs or ramps -- whether indoors or out. A malfunction of the carriage's safety brake or a sudden movement by the child could put it right over the edge. If a gate is not provided, place a barrier of some kind in front of the stairway that a child cannot climb over. Accordion-style gates with large V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings should not be used since they can entrap a child's head, causing strangulation. A gate with a straight top or small V's and diamond-shaped openings is safer. Make sure pressure gates are firmly in place and can't be dislodged by the child.
• Caution the child about the dangers of glass doors or windows. A child running or riding on a trike or bike could easily go through the glass. Be sure you keep toys, scatter rugs and other articles that could cause someone to slip or trip away from these areas. If you are caring for a particularly active child, place a large chair or other piece of furniture in front of the glass area for safety's sake. You also can suggest to the parents that large, colorful decals at eye level for both children and adults can make glass doors safer.
• Unless specifically instructed by the parents, do not bathe the baby. A clean facecloth in lukewarm water will suffice in most cases for cleaning the skin. Bathing a baby calls for utmost care and supervision; aside from the risk of hot water scalds, there is always the danger of drowning. While you may want to be of help to the parents, bathing the infant is not recommended.
• If you are changing the baby's diapers, plan on having everything within immediate reach so you won't have to step away from the infant even for a second. If you are not constantly watching them, babies can roll over and fall from changing tables or other high places. Have diapers, pins, etc., next to you so the baby is under constant supervision.
• Infants may choke on small items which they put in their mouths. Small pieces of food, coins, pins and other non-toy items could lodge in the baby's throat and cause choking or asphyxiation. It could also occur with small toys or parts of toys intended for older children. Watch the baby carefully to make sure these objects are not within reach. In the event of accidental choking, apply first aid measures to clear the child's airway. Also call the rescue squad. (If you don't know first aid, contact your local American Red Cross office or an approved community agency for instruction.)
• A "super sitter" will look for hazards before they surface. Loose, baggy clothing can be dangerous if it gets caught on furniture, cribs, playpens, etc., as children climb, play or scamper about the room. Clothing can also be a problem if it becomes tightly wound around the baby. Be on the alert for hazards such as these, and adjust the clothing so that it cannot become tangled.
• To prevent accidental injuries, keep doors and windows locked at all times. Remember that children, though under your supervision, can at times just "seem to disappear" from your watchful eye.
• Never open the door to strangers. If there is a question about someone at the door, call the parents to check with them.
• In case of accident or illness, don't try to be doctor or nurse except for minor cuts and bruises. Call the parents for instructions. If they cannot be reached, call your own parents or go to a neighbor for help. The sick or hurt child may require a doctor or emergency care.
WHERE THE CHILD IS ...
With several children -- particularly toddlers (2 and 3 year olds) -- you won't be doing much sitting." You'll be playing with them and supervising their play activities. Where They Play ... Just a reminder that whether you're actually playing with the children or supervising them, keep them within safe play areas, preferably within your sight. Keep them away from potential danger areas in the home such as the kitchen, bathroom, workshop and storage areas. They move fast, so you will have to be able to move even faster!
The Playpen
You should be aware of hazards to a child left alone in a playpen. A string of toys across the top or even to one side of the playpen could be a strangulation risk. Dropside mesh playpens and portable mesh cribs, used with a side left down, can pose a serious hazard to newborns and infants. When the side is down, the mesh forms a loose pocket into which an infant can fall or roll and suffocate. Dropsides should ALWAYS be up and locked securely in position when a child is in the playpen or crib. Don't put any toys in the playpen that a child can climb on to get out. And little fingers can get caught in hinges.
Baby Walkers ... the baby hot rod!
Baby walkers seem fun to scoot around in, but they also can scoot down a flight of stairs, into a hot stove, against a table edge or into a glass door. They offer limited balance to a child not yet completely able to stand or walk. If unstable, walkers can easily tip over. Stay with the child when he or she is in the walker, and assist it over thresholds or carpeting.
High Chairs
A child in a high chair requires almost constant attention. Babies can slip out of a high chair in an instant if not properly strapped in. An unstable high chair can tip over ... with the baby in it! Make sure that any safety belts or straps on the high chair are securely fastened and that the tray is properly secured. Don't let the child stand up while in the chair, and keep other children from climbing on it. Keep the chair away from "traffic lanes," doorways, refrigerator and stove, and far enough away from tables and walls so that the child can't push the chair over.
The Crib
If baby is to sleep safely, make sure that the crib is as safe as you can make it. If there is too much room (more than two fingers width) between the mattress and the side of the crib, an infant's head could get caught in between and the infant could suffocate. Roll up a couple of large bath towels and place them in the space. If the slats are more than 2-3/8 inches apart, the baby's body can slide between the slats and the baby can suffocate.

If the child is old enough to stand up, the parents should set the mattress at its lowest position, with the side rail at its highest position. Check the mattress support frequently to make sure it hasn't become unhooked from the end panels. Any toys you leave in the crib should never be ones that could be used to help in climbing out. Also, do not use crib toys that may have strings or elastic attached to them -- these can strangle or choke! Cribs with decorative knobs on the cornerposts can be a strangulation hazard. Children's clothing and strings or necklaces can catch on the protrusions, especially if the child is trying to climb out. Crib gyms should be removed from the crib when the baby is five months old or can push up on hands and knees, otherwise the baby can get his/her chin across the crib gym or catch clothing on it and strangle.
TOYS THEY PLAY WITH ...
Teach children to play safely by showing them how to use their toys in a safe manner and by teaching them to put their toys away after play.

Be particularly aware of safe and unsafe toys. These are some toy dangers you should be aware of:

1. SMALL PARTS.

Tiny toys and toys with small removable parts can be swallowed or become lodged in a child's throat, windpipe, ears or nose. The seams of poorly constructed stuffed dolls or animals can break open and release small pellets that can be swallowed or inhaled.

2. SHARP EDGES.

Toys of brittle plastic or glass can be broken easily, leaving dangerous, sharp, cutting edges. Metal and plastic toys sometimes have sharp edges due to poor construction.

3. SHARP POINTS.

Broken toys can expose dangerous prongs and knifelike sharp points. Pins and staples on dolls' clothes, hair and accessories can easily puncture an unsuspecting child.

4. LOUD NOISES.

Toy caps and some noise-making guns and other toys can produce sounds at noise levels that can damage hearing. Do not allow children to fire cap guns closer than one foot to the ear; also, do not use indoors.

5. PROPELLED OBJECTS.

Projectiles -- guided missiles and similar flying toys -- can be turned into weapons and can injure eyes in particular. Children should never be permitted to play with adult lawn darts or other hobby or sporting equipment that have sharp points. Arrows or darts used by children should have soft cork tips, rubber suction cups or other protective tips intended to prevent injury. Teach children that these toys should never be aimed at people or pets.

6. ELECTRIC TOYS.

Electric toys that are improperly constructed, wired or used can shock or burn. Electric toys with heating elements are only recommended for children over eight years old. Children should be taught to use electric toys cautiously and under adult supervision.

7. WRONG TOY FOR THE WRONG AGE.

Toys that may be safe for older children -- like a chemistry or hobby set or games with small pieces -- can be extremely dangerous in the hands of little ones.

8. CORDS AND STRINGS.

Toys with long strings or cords may be dangerous for infants and very young children. The cords may become wrapped around an infant's neck, causing strangulation. Never hang toys with long strings, cords, loops or ribbons in cribs or playpens. Pacifiers should never be attached to strings or ribbons around a baby's neck.
SUPER SITTER'S SURPRISE BOX
To overcome any outbursts from the children when the parents are leaving, you may want to have your own Super Sitter's Surprise Box. This can be anything in the way of toys or treasures for them to play with, to stimulate curiosity and to take away fear of being left "forever."

The box can be of your own design. It can be as complicated and complex as an overnight case filled with colorful, new, exciting and safe toys you buy (or borrow from a younger sister or brother). It can be as simple as a shoe box filled with toys you have made. It will help ease those first difficult moments and many more besides.

Here's how you can make your Super Sitter's Surprise Box:

A variety of colors of "sticky-back" tape and a medium sized box with a lid or an old overnight case are all you need. Cut the tape into strips, squares, triangles and circles and tape them on to the box or case. Besides being attractive and eye-catching, the shapes can be educational. Fill the Surprise Box with any of the "surprises" below:
• rubber animals
• plastic or wooden animals with smooth edges
• soft plastic or cloth covered books
• plastic or wooden toy cars or trucks with no small detachable parts
• large rubber ball
• playing cards
• set of measuring cups
• different colored bandage strips to use as "puppets" on your fingers, or on the baby's fingers.
Try to put a surprise or two -- a book, coloring book, game, puzzle or some item of amusement into your box for an older brother or sister.

When making your Surprise Box, remember to use only safe toys! Check to see that they don't have any of the toy dangers. Make your Super Sitter's Surprise Box a safe surprise!
PLAYING OUTDOORS
Some of your daytime sitting may include playing outdoors with the children. Outdoor play equipment -- swings, seesaws and slides -- can be fun, but can be dangerous too. Play safety can be taught to even the youngest toddlers.

Children often do the unexpected on playground equipment. They are naturally and normally curious and adventuresome. Standing in a swing is "bigger and better" than sitting in one. Climbing to the top, sitting or swinging on it shows great daring. Little ones are unaware of risk ... often jumping off or in front of swings, seesaws or gliders. They may walk in front or in back of a moving swing. In an atmosphere of "the more the merrier," they may overload any one piece of equipment and tip the entire structure. Hanging "rings" are particularly dangerous to small children whose heads may be small enough to go through the ring, turning it into a hanging "noose."

All children should be supervised when playing on this kind of equipment. They should be told to sit in the center of a swing. Explain the following hazards: walking in front or in back of a swing; pushing other children off of the swing; swinging empty seats; twisting the swing chains; and, climbing up the front of the slide. Roughhousing, overloading equipment and misuse can be curbed from the start if you're there supervising their play.

Older children can be taught certain safety rules and why they are important. Asking them to assist you in supervising the younger ones will help them to understand these rules better. Dangerous roughhousing, stunts, overloading, abuse and misuse of equipment and showing off are unacceptable.
POOL SAFETY
Daytime sitting can also include time in or around a swimming pool, wading pool or spa. Children are naturally attracted to water, therefore, a "super sitter" must take precautions at all times to prevent accidents from happening. Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death nationwide to children under five years of age. In addition, some 3,000 youngsters in the same age group are treated each year in hospital emergency rooms as a result of near-drownings; some of these children are hospitalized for life as a result of near-drowning.

Drowning is a silent killer. When a child drowns, a baby sitter won't hear a cry or even a splash. Drownings can happen very quickly.

How do children drown? How can you prevent a tragedy from happening?
• Seconds count. In seconds, a child can leave the house and walk to the edge of the pool. In seconds, a child can drown in only a few inches of water. A child can drown in the few seconds taken to answer a telephone in the house.
• Eyes on the child at all times is your best bet. There is no substitute for constant supervision of the child.
• Children should be supervised and accompanied at all times, even though the parents previously instructed the children not to go near the water.
• Make sure gates leading to the pool are closed and locked. Lock all doors leading from the house to the pool area. Locks should always be out of reach of children.
• Don't consider a child to be water-safe even if the youngster has had swimming lessons or water-familiarity class.
• Don't assume a pool to be safe, even one with a pool cover or a fence.
• Don't allow children to play on the apron surrounding the pool.
• If the pool is above-ground, remove the ladder to prevent access by anyone.
• Learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on infants and young children. Contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association or American Red Cross about registering for classes.
• If for any reason you discover the child to be missing, check the pool, wading pool, spa or hot tub first.
• Know the telephone numbers to call for emergency medical service. In some locations you dial 911, in others a seven-digit number. As a "super sitter" you can teach the children that safe play can still be fun play!
POISON: FOOD FOR THOUGHT ONLY!
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IT...

Not everything that goes into a child's mouth falls into the category of food. Too often, what ends up in mouths and stomachs may be deadly! Growing children are curious about things that glitter and shine, pretty colored pills, bottles and containers of all kinds, and what's in them. Children under the age of five are in stages of growth where they are constantly exploring and investigating. This is how they learn. Unfortunately, what children see and reach for, they put into their mouths and swallow.

Every year thousands of youngsters across the country receive emergency hospital or doctor's care because of accidental poisoning. These are chiefly children under five who have ingested some common household item which suddenly becomes poison in the wrong hands (and mouths). These include medicines, cleaning products and preparations, insect sprays, lighter fluid and kerosene, turpentine and paints.

You can help prevent accidental poisonings, while baby sitting and in your own home too. Here are some things you should remember:
All household products and medicines should be stored out of sight and reach of young children -- preferably locked up! (If you are sitting where household cleaning agents are stored under the sink and you are in charge of a "crawler" -- or the medicine cabinet is accessible to a "climber" -- you can put protective tape across the front of the cabinet as an extra precaution.)
As a baby sitter you should not be expected to give any medication. But in certain circumstances, you may be asked to give a medication during the time the parents are away. If it is absolutely necessary that you do this, have the parents leave explicit, written instructions for you.
SOME GENERAL POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT MEDICATIONS ARE:

1. Read the label on the container carefully as well as the instructions from the parents.

2. Never leave the child alone with the medication. If the phone rings take the medication with you.

3. Return the medication to its safe storage place with the safety closure on securely.

4. Do not call the medication candy.

5. Do not give the medication in the dark.

6. Do not take any medication yourself in the presence of the child.

7. Be careful of what you might be bringing into the house.

Children are normally curious and can get into a pocketbook, briefcase or overnight case of a guest which could contain medications. An otherwise "poison-proof" household can become the scene of an accidental poisoning incident.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW TO DO...
IF THERE IS A POISONING ACCIDENT:

1. DON'T WAIT to see what effect it may have. If you think the child has swallowed medicine or a household product, call a Poison Control Center, doctor, or hospital IMMEDIATELY! (These should be emergency numbers on your list.) Describe what was taken and how much, giving as much information as you can. Describe the condition of the child -- vomiting, drowsiness, change of color, coldness of skin. In the event no medical instructions are available, check the label on the container for emergency procedures and directions, if any. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY MEDICAL PERSONNEL OR THE LABEL GIVES SUCH INSTRUCTIONS. IF INSTRUCTED TO INDUCE VOMITTING, GIVE SYRUP OF IPECAC. (NOTE: PARENTS SHOULD KEEP ON HAND A ONE-OUNCE BOTTLE OF SYRUP OF IPECAC FOR EACH CHILD IN THE HOME).

2. Call in a neighbor who can help you take care of this emergency; get the child medical aid, or help take care of other children in the family. At this point, don't try to take on all of the care and responsibility yourself.

3. Call the parents. Explain what has happened, what has already been done and what is yet to be done. If the child is to be taken to a hospital or doctor's office, it may be more expedient to get the child there and have the parents go there immediately rather than come home first. Speed, of course, is important. But equally important is the way you handle the situation. Try to keep control. A frightened and sick child will become more frightened if you are excited or show panic. Accidental poisoning is a frightening experience, but if you know preventive measures, you will be able to handle the situation when it happens. (Tell the parents about child resistant safety packaging which can help prevent these kinds of accidents.)
Time to Leave
Before you realize it, the parents have arrived to find you and their children safe and sound, and to see you home safely. During your first sitting experience, you may have been nervous, but with each new one, you will gain confidence, especially if you remember the Super Sitter Tips we have discussed. Here is a summary of those tips which you should keep foremost in your mind until you are confident that you know them:
• Know what to do in emergencies by being prepared for one, knowing what could happen and how to react to it. Take first aid instructions.
• Always know where the emergency exits are located.
• Keep doors and windows locked for the safety of both yourself and the children.
• Know where the "danger" items are -- medicines, bleaches, household cleaners and electrical appliances. Keep them out of children's reach if the parents have not locked them away in a secure place.
• In case of accident or illness, don't try to be a doctor or nurse except for minor cuts and bruises.
• Keep your emergency telephone list handy -- use these numbers when you need them.
• Depend on the parents or a neighbor in any emergency situation that you are not sure how to handle yourself.
• Prevent play accidents by keeping the youngsters safe -- supervise where they play, what they play with and teach them safe play. Keep these safety tips in mind ... they will make your baby sitting experience both safe and fun for you and the children. They will make you a SUPER SAFE SITTER.
Super Sitter's Very Important Phone Numbers
Post these names and phone numbers by the telephone. Then you'll have them when and if you need them.
Where parents will be:___________________________________________
Nearby friend____________________________________________________
or relative______________________________________________________
or neighbor______________________________________________________
Children's doctor________________________________________________
Fire Department__________________________________________________
Police Department________________________________________________
Poison Control Center____________________________________________
Hospital_________________________________________________________

for more information about Child Identification, visit www.identakid.com

Adolescent Drug Abuse Prevention

In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with Child Safety. Research shows that the main reason that kids don’t use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is because of their parents – because of their positive influence and because they know it would disappoint them. That is why it is so important that parents build a strong relationship with their kids and talk to them about substance abuse – the earlier the better! Below are some tips from the National Crime Prevention Council about how to prevent adolescent drug abuse.

The good news is it’s easy to do! Here are a few ways you can build a positive relationship with your kids and start talking to them about drugs.

Note: “Drugs” refers to alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

Establish and maintain good communication with your children.

Why? The better you know your children, the easier it will be to guide them towards positive activities and friendships.

How?

• Talk to your children every day. Share what happened to you and ask what happened to them during the day.
• Ask questions that kids can’t answer with “yes” or “no,” such as “what was your favorite part of the day.” Ask your children their opinions and include them in making decisions. Show your children that you value their thoughts and input.
• Be ready to talk to your children as early as the fourth grade, when they may first feel peer pressure to experiment with alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
• Listen to your child’s or teen’s concerns nonjudgmentally. Repeat them to make clear that you understand. Don’t preach.

Get involved in your children’s lives.

Why? Young people are less likely to get involved with drugs when caring adults are a part of their life.

How?

• Spend time doing something your children want to do every day.
• Support your children’s activities by attending special events, like recitals and games, and praising them for their efforts.
• Help your children manage problems by asking what is wrong when they seem upset and letting them know you are there to help.

Make clear rules and enforce them consistently.

Why? Research shows that when parents set harsh rules or no rules, kids are more likely to try drugs.

How?

• Discuss rules, expectations, and consequences in advance.
• If a rule is broken, be sure to enforce the consequences. This teaches children to take responsibility for their actions.
• Give praise when your children follow rules and meet expectations.

Be a positive role model.

Why? Children imitate adults.

How?

• Demonstrate ways to solve problems, have fun, and manage stress without using alcohol or drugs.
• Point out examples of irresponsible behavior, such as ones you see in movies or hear in music.
• Remember that you set the example. Avoid contradictions between your words and your actions. Use alcohol in moderation, don’t smoke cigarettes, and never use drugs.

Help your children choose friends wisely.

Why? When children have friends who don’t engage in risky behaviors, they are likely to resist them too.

How?

• Help your kids feel comfortable in social situations.
• Get to know your children’s friends and their families.
• Involve your children in positive group activities, such as sports teams, scouting troops, and after school programs.

Talk to your children about drugs.

Why? When parents talk to their kids early and often about substance abuse, kids are less likely to try drugs.

How?

• Short discussions go a long way. Engage your children in a conversation. Ask what they know, how they feel, and what they think about the issue.
• Talk to your children one-on-one and together.
• Educate yourself about alcohol, tobacco, and drug use before talking to your children. You will lose credibility if you don’t have your facts right.
• Set some time aside for you and your child to act out scenarios in which one person tries to pressure another to drink alcohol, smoke, or use a drug. Figure out two or three ways to handle each situation and talk about which works best.

When?

• Any time you spend together is the perfect time for a conversation.
• Establish an ongoing conversation rather than giving a one-time speech.

What should I say?

• Explain the effects of drugs on the body and the legal consequences of using drugs.
• Make it clear that you don’t want your kids to use drugs and that you will be disappointed if they do.
• Discuss why using drugs isn’t okay. Explain that it’s against the law for a child or teen to use alcohol or cigarettes and that using drugs is always illegal—for good reason.
• Explain how drug use can hurt people in several ways—for example, the transmission of AIDS through shared needles, slowed growth, impaired coordination, accidents.
• Discuss the legal issues. A conviction for a drug offense can lead to time in prison or cost someone a job, driver’s license, or college loan.
• If any of your children have tried drugs, be honest about your disappointment, but emphasize that you still love them.

To view the original source of this article, please visit www.ncpc.org

To learn more about Child Identification, Ident-A-Kid, and Child Safety, please visit www.identakid.com

Vehicle Safety Blog II

In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with your child’s safety. You place your children's safety at the top of your priority list. You shopped for the safest car when you started a family. You read up on car seats for kids and figured out which one worked best for you and your family. You even took your car and car seat to a seat-checking station to let an expert check and approve of your handiwork.

But did you know there are other dangers in and around your vehicle that could seriously harm or even kill your child?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has compiled a list of vehicle dangers that we will be posting over the next couple of weeks. This week’s danger prevention tips from nhtsa.gov are about vehicle rollaway, seat belt entanglement, and back-over prevention.

Vehicle Rollaway

If you leave a child alone in a motor vehicle, whether the engine running or not, it doesn't take long for a child to unintentionally set your car in motion.

With the key in the ignition, automatic transmissions can be shifted out of “park” even if the vehicle’s engine is off and the driver’s foot is not on the brake. If you leave the key in the ignition and turned to the accessory mode (to listen to the radio, open/close the windows, etc.), your vehicle’s automatic transmission may be shifted out of “park” if you or your child move the gear selector.

Prevention Tips:

• Teach children not to play in or around cars.
  


• Supervise children carefully when in and around vehicles.
  


• Keep vehicle locked when unattended.
  


• Never leave keys in the car.
  


• Engage your emergency brake every time you park.
  


• Verify whether or not your vehicle has a Brake Transmission Safety Interlock (BTSI).
  

What you need to know, now:

• When the vehicle is set in motion, children may become scared and jump out of the vehicle only to be injured or run over. They can also be hurt inside the vehicle, especially if they are unbelted and the vehicle is in motion. Sometimes, the vehicle may end up running over someone else.
  


• Many vehicles today have a BTSI which is a safety technology intended to prevent children from accidentally putting a vehicle into gear.
  


• All vehicles with automatic transmission with a Park position, manufactured for sale after September 1, 2010, must have BTSI.
  

Seat Belt Entanglement

The majority of seat belts have a locking mechanism that is activated when the seat belt is pulled all the way out from the retractor. This feature is designed for child seat installation. In instances when the locking feature activates, the child may not be able to free him or herself.

This can happen if you do not properly restrain your child, for example, if you let the child lie down or sleep on the vehicle seat, instead of being properly restrained. Older children who are no longer in a child restraint system, can become entangled by pulling a seat belt all the way out of the retractor, or by playing with an unused seat belt.

If you used your vehicle's Lower Anchors and Tether for Children (LATCH) system to install the car seat, your child may be able to reach an unused belt.

Prevention Tips:

• Do not let children play in or around cars.
  


• Never leave a child unattended in or around a vehicle.
  


• Always ensure children are properly restrained.
  


• Teach children that seat belts are not toys.
  


• Be aware that some seat belts have a retractor that locks if pulled all the way out.
  


• If a child has an unused seat belt within reach:
  


• Buckle unused seat belts. Pull the seat belt out all the way to the end without yanking. Then, feed the excess webbing back into the retractor.
  


• If a child seat is installed with LATCH, consider completing the steps above before you install the child seat. Always consult your child seat and vehicle owner's manual for installation instructions.
  

Back-Over

Many children are killed or seriously injured in back-over incidents. A back-over incident typically occurs when a car coming out of a driveway or parking space backs over a child because the driver did not see him/her.

Prevention Tips:

• Teach children not to play in or around cars
  


• Supervise children carefully when in and around vehicles
  


• Always walk around your vehicle and check the area around it before backing up.
  


• Be aware of small children-the smaller a child, the more likely it is you will not see them.
  


• Teach children to move away from a vehicle when a driver gets in it or if the car is started.
  


• Have children in the area stand to the side of the driveway or sidewalk so you can see them as you are backing out of a driveway or parking space.
  


• Make sure to look behind you while backing up slowly in case a child dashes behind your vehicle unexpectedly.
  


• Take extra care if you drive a large vehicle because they are likely to have bigger blind zones. Roll down your windows while backing out of your driveway or parking space so that you'll be able to hear what is happening outside of your vehicle.
  


• Teach your children to keep their toys and bikes out of the driveway.
  


• Because kids can move unpredictably, you should actively check your mirrors while backing up.
  


• Many cars are equipped with detection devices like backup cameras or warning sounds, but they cannot take the place of you actively walking around your car to make sure your children are safely out of the way. Do not rely solely on these devices to detect what's behind your vehicle.

For more information about vehicle safety or to view the source of this article, please visit www.nhtsa.gov

For more information about Child Identification or Child Safety, please visit www.identakid.com

Vehicle Safety Blog I

In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with your child’s safety. You place your children's safety at the top of your priority list. You shopped for the safest car when you started a family. You read up on car seats for kids and figured out which one worked best for you and your family. You even took your car and car seat to a seat-checking station to let an expert check and approve of your handiwork.

But did you know there are other dangers in and around your vehicle that could seriously harm or even kill your child?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has compiled a list of vehicle dangers that we will be posting over the next couple of weeks. This week’s danger prevention tips from nhtsa.gov are about trunk entrapment and power windows.

Trunk Entrapment

Children are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. So, if you leave your kids unattended, in or near a vehicle, it won’t be long before they are playing in it. Hide and seek can turn deadly if they get trapped in the trunk, where temperatures can rise very quickly – resulting in heatstroke or asphyxiation.

Prevention Tips:

• Teach children not to play in or around cars. Teach them that vehicle trunks are for cargo, not for playing.
  


• Always supervise your children carefully when in and around vehicles.
  


• Check the trunk right away if your child is missing.
  


• Lock your car doors and trunk and be sure keys and remote entry devices are out of sight and reach of your kids.
  


• Keep the rear fold-down seats closed/locked to keep your children from climbing into the trunk from inside your car.
  


• Retrofit your car:
  As of September 1, 2001, auto manufacturers were required to equip all new vehicle trunks with a 'glow in the dark' trunk release inside the trunk compartment. Show your kids how to use the release in case of an emergency.
  If your car is older and does not have the 'glow in the dark' trunk release, ask your automobile dealership about getting your vehicle retrofitted with a trunk release mechanism.

What you need to know, now:

• Younger children are more sensitive to heat than older children and adults, and are at greater risk for heatstroke.
  


• High temperature, humidity and poor ventilation add up to the extremely dangerous environment of a vehicle trunk of your vehicle.
  


• Even in cooler temperatures, your vehicles can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. An outside temperature in the mid 60s can cause a vehicle’s inside temperature to rise above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The inside temperature of your car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes.
  

Power Windows

Children can hurt themselves with power windows. Many kids are injured when a window closes on their finger, wrist, or hand. Some kids have even been strangled by power windows.

Prevention Tips:

• Never leave your children alone in a vehicle for any reason.
  


• Teach your children not to play with window switches.
  


• Teach your children not to stand on passenger door arm rests.
  


• Properly restrain your children in car seats or seat belts to prevent them from accidentally activating power windows.
  


• Look and make sure your kids hands, feet, and head, are clear of windows before raising the windows.
  


• Never leave the key in the ignition or in the "on" or "accessory" position when you walk away from your car.
  


• If available, activate the power window lock switch so that your children cannot play with the windows.
  

What you need to know, now:

• All new vehicles will have "pull to close" switches, which, as their name indicates, require you to pull up on them to close the window. Older vehicles may have window switches that a child can accidentally step or put weight on, easily causing a window to close.
  


• Some vehicles have power windows that automatically reverse when an object (such as your child's arm or neck) is in the path of a closing window. Check both the individual vehicle rating pages on www.safercar.gov and your owner's manual to see if a vehicle is equipped with this safety technology.
  

For more information about car safety for children and to view the source of this article, please visit www.nhtsa.gov

For more information about Child Identification and Child Safety, please visit www.identakid.com

Safety and Prevention Tips for Car Safety - Preventing Heatstroke

In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with your child’s safety. Children die each year from heatstroke, after being alone in a vehicle. You live by your daily routine and it helps you get things done. Be extra careful, though, if you have to change any part of that routine. This is more likely to happen when you, or caregiver who helps with your children, forgets that a child is in the back seat. This can and does happen when you break a well-established routine. Below is some information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about leaving your child unattended and tips on how to prevent this.

Disasters happen quickly

At other times, you are on your way home and realize you need to stop in at the store and pick up one or two things for dinner. So, you leave your child unattended, thinking, "I'll just run into the store for a minute." Even cool temperatures in the 60s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110° Fahrenheit inside your car. The inside temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.

Some children die in hot cars after climbing into an unlocked vehicle without an adults' knowledge. Once in the vehicle, they may become confused by the door opening mechanism or trapped in the trunk, and unable to get out before heatstroke occurs.

Prevention Tips

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
  
• Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
  
• Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
  
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.
  
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it's your spouse or partner who drops them off, have your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.
  
• Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
  
• Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as:
  
• Writing yourself a note and putting the note where you will see it when you leave the vehicle;
  
• Placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle; or
  
• Keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.
  
• Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children's reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk.
  
• If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

What you need to know, now

• Vehicles heat up quickly - even with a window rolled down two inches, if the outside temperature is in the low 80s° Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes.
  
• Children's bodies overheat easily, and infants and children under four years of age are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness.
  
• Children's bodies absorb more heat on a hot day than an adult. Also, children are less able to lower their body heat by sweating. When a body cannot sweat enough, the body temperature rises rapidly.
  
• In fact, when left in a hot vehicle, a young child's body temperature may increase three to five times as fast an adult. High body temperatures can cause permanent injury or even death.
  

Dangers of extreme heat

Symptoms of heatstroke: Warning signs vary but may include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, being grouchy, or acting strangely.

If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

To view the source of this article and to learn more, please visit www.nhtsa.gov

For more information about Child Identification and Child Safety, please visit www.identakid.com

4th of July Safety Tips

In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with you and your family’s safety during the 4th of July holiday weekend. This 4th of July, friends and loved ones all across the country will gather to celebrate our nation’s independence and what is for many, the unofficial start of summer. If your traditions include fireworks, barbecues, or relaxing days at the pool or beach, the American Red Cross has provided some safety tips below in order to keep you and your family safe during the holiday.

Firework safety:

There are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission. You can enjoy these Fourth of July staples safely by doing the following:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.

• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.

• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.

• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable
materials.

• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.

• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

Water safety at the pool and beach:

The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim and to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course. To enroll in a course, please visit www.redcrossla.org/classes.

• Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present, and swim with others. Never swim alone. Whether you are visiting a community pool or going to the beach, remember to keep your child’s Ident-A-Kid card on you at all times.

• Enter the water feet first. Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.

• Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice “reach supervision” by staying within an arm’s length of young children and weak swimmers while they are in and around the pool, lake or ocean.

• Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.

• If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.

• Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.

• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.

• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

Safe Grilling:

Nothing says summer quite like the smell of barbecue. Make sure safety is a key ingredient in your 4th of July by reading the following tips for safer grilling:

• Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only.

• Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches and house eaves.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.

To view the original source of this article and for more safety tips or to register for a first aid or CPR/AED course, visit www.redcrossla.org/classes.

The American Red Cross and Ident-A-Kid wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!

For more information about Child Identification and Child Safety, visit www.identakid.com

June 21st is National ASK Day!

In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned about your child’s safety when it comes to the growing question of gun control. Monday, June 21 is National ASK Day, which is a part of the Asking Saves Kids campaign of the PAX/Real Solutions to Gun Violence organization.

ASK (Asking Saves Kids) is a program established by the Solutions to Gun Violence group. The association reports that over 40% of homes have guns in them. Of that percentage, many are left unlocked or loaded. Children are curious by nature and every year many die senseless deaths due to a firearm found in the home.

Gun control is a touchy subject on both sides of the issue. In order to make the process of asking another family about whether or not they have guns in the house, the real Solutions to Gun Violence site has compiled a list of common sense ways to ask questions.

• Include your gun inquiry with several other questions. This will ease the situation and not come off as accusatory or confrontational.

• Know your facts. Feel free to quote the statistics.

• Introduce an ASK group into your community via a block party or homeowner's association meeting.

• Don't be confrontational. Common courtesy and politeness go a long way in easing tense situations.

In addition to asking about guns, National ASK Day is a good time to remember that you should ask about many other things before sending your kids over to the home of a friend or family member, such as:

• Is the home well childproofed?

• Will the kids be supervised?

• Do they have a pool or pond, and if so, is there a fence around it with a self-closing and self-latching gate?

• Who else will be in the home?

• Do they observe the ratings on video games, TV shows, and movies?

• Do they have a trampoline, all-terrain vehicle, dirt-bike, bb gun, or other 'toys' that can injure children?

• Will they have unsupervised access to the internet?

It is hard enough to keep your kids safe in your own home, but it is almost impossible if you send your kids to someone else's home who simply 'hides' a loaded gun under a pillow where the kids can find it, lets young kids play teen or mature video games, or play unsupervised in a pool, etc. So ask questions before sending your kids to someone else's home. You can't simply assume that they have the ideas about safety and parenting as you do, just because your kids are the same age, go to the same school, or you live in the same neighborhood.

To view the original sources of this article, please visit www.parentdish.com and http://pediatrics.about.com

To learn more about Child Identification and Child Safety, please visit www.identakid.com