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Ask The Safety Guy: Should I Install a Fence or a Cover to make my pool safe for my kids?
Dana | | 
0
Ask The Safety Guy
The short answer to your question is that if it comes down to one or the other, a properly designed and installed fence is generally a better safety mechanism than a cover.
Fences are superior when they are equipped with a self-closing gate which allows convenient adult access but prevents a child from doing so. The gate should slam shut behind you each and every time you leave the pool area. This is a great safety feature as it is easy to leave a pool unprotected when running to answer the door or phone or just stepping away for a “few minutes.”
Mechanical covers do act as a barrier, but they are not as readily opened and closed as a gate. Hence, people tend to leave the cover all the way open or all the way closed and may not be likely to close it if they are stepping away for a short time. Some parents get a sense of safety when the see that their toddler can crawl on top of a closed cover. Unfortunately, it is a false sense as doing so may teach the child that they can crawl on water. Also, covers tend to pond water on top of them in the winter time or from sprinklers which can also be a hazard.
To further my case, the Worldwide Safe Kids Coalition just issued new pool safety guidelines that only recommended fences without mentioning covers at all. This being said, having a cover as well as a fence is terrific; and many families elect to have both.
As usual, there is more to be said on this topic. The medical and safety community have come together on this topic and agreed that the best way to prevent children from drowning is adult supervision and barriers, barriers and more barriers.
Besides fences and covers, barriers include secondary latching on doors and windows leading from the home to the yard. All windows should be latched to not open more than four inches so as to prevent a child from pushing through a screen to gain access to the yard and pool.
I am not an advocate for pool alarms and monitoring devices as they are reactive and not all that reliable. I do however encourage families with pools or other water features to consider adding a burglar alarm with a chime function that sounds a subtle alert any time an exterior door or window is opened.
Finally, remember that swimming lessons are not a substitute. Children do not have the cognitive development to save themselves consistently until at least the age of four. I do not discourage lessons at an earlier age; I only encourage parents to not get a false sense of security from them.
Submit your questions to pros@homesafety.net. Martin Simenc, The Safety Guy, is the President of Home Safety Services, Inc., the Bay Area’s largest and highest rated baby-proofing company. They can be reached at 1-888-388-3811.
The Safety Guy is a registered trademark of Home Safety Services, Inc. Copyright 2010
How can we keep our baby safe around our pets?
Dana | | 0
Ask The Safety Guy
Karen from Morgan Hill asks:
How can we keep our baby safe around our pets?
You are right to worry that your baby and your pets may not always get along. Many pets do extremely well with small children, but even gentle pets can bite or scratch if provoked. The cry of a newborn can be enough to put some dogs on edge, and once your baby is old enough to grab tails and pull whiskers, anything can happen.
For the next few years, the best thing you can do is make sure your child is never alone with a pet. Let them get to know each other gradually under your close supervision. If you have a dog that's at all aggressive, look into putting him through obedience training. Many professional trainers offer specialized classes to teach dogs and even cats how to get along with young children. But if any pet continues to be a threat to your child, it's time to find him (your pet) a new home.
At the risk of alienating some pet owners, certain breeds of dogs should probably just not be allowed around small children at all, as numerous recent news stories will attest.
Having pets presents other, less obvious dangers to children. Your child could choke on pet food, and -- believe it or not -- the water dish is a drowning hazard (not to mention an annoying housekeeping issue). I frequently recommend that dog owners place their pet's food and water in the garage or outside (presuming it is safe for your pet), where their child can't get to it.
If you have an indoor cat or a small dog, a safety gate can be an effective way to separate your child from your pet's food, water, and, in the case of cats, the litter box. Look for a gate with openings wide enough for your pet to get through, yet narrow enough that your child can't become trapped or get through himself. Alternatively, a long hook-and-eye type latch can be used to prop a guest or laundry room door open three or four inches. Doing so will allow you to place a litter box or food and water in a separate area that your pet can readily access but your child cannot.
Finally, don't overlook the pet door, if you have one. A curious crawler could get outside very quickly or even get trapped. Use a safety gate to block your child's access to the pet door, or keep it locked for now.
Submit your questions to pros@homesafety.net. Martin Simenc, The Safety Guy, is the President of Home Safety Services, Inc., the Bay Area’s largest and highest rated safetyfittingTM company.
They can be reached at 1-888-388-3811.
The Safety Guy is a registered trademark of Home Safety Services, Inc. Copyright 2008
Certified Eco-Healthy Infant-Only Family Child Care
Immatrix | | 0
Because Children Are Our Most…
Precious Treasures
Professional Child Care Services Since 1990
License #: 384001858
Specializing in Children 0 – 2 Years of Age
Infant, Child, and Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified
Health and Safety Certified
Department of Justice Background Cleared
Certified Eco-Healthy Childcare by OEC
TB Cleared
415-307-4224
Precious_Treasures@hotmail.com
Dear Parents:
At Precious Treasures, we encourage creativity, individuality, and independence by providing an environment filled with love, patience, and kindness and a curriculum flexible enough to include specific interests and developmental needs. We believe children thrive best when love and routine are provided, so we create monthly schedules for play, naps, meals, field trips, and other activities – all focused on the children’s developing needs and interests. We also provide age-appropriate books, indoor and outdoor equipment, and planned activities – all in a fun and safe environment. Along with teacher instruction, each child has many opportunities to learn and grow at his own pace – allowing mastery of skills in his own space and time.
Our curriculum encourages children to explore and discover their world through the use of sensory play (i.e.: water play, climbing equipment, multi-textured toys, etc.) and activity immersion (i.e.: learning by doing to encourage mental, social, emotional, and physical growth). Parents will receive a daily log of their child’s day and will be given time to ask questions and share insights. Parents are encouraged to assist their child during the initial two-to-four week transitional period by remaining and participating in their child’s day. After the transitional period, parents are always welcome in our facility to share, spend time with their child, and discuss concerns and/or ask questions.
Our staff has the experience and training needed for our specialty – infants (ages 0 to 23 months) – as well as for toddlers (ages 24 months to 5 years). We remember what it was like to be a child and use those memories as well as our experiences and training to guide our words and actions so the children have appropriate behaviors to mirror. We set our standards high – but we know you would not want anything less.
My family childcare home is located in Ingleside Terraces – a private residential neighborhood in San Francisco. I am close to the 280 and 101 freeways, the K and M MUNI lines, and the Balboa Park BART station. Although available 24/7 to accommodate all schedules, I am an infant-only facility from 7:30A to 6:00P Monday through Friday. Infants, toddlers, and children of school age are welcome before and after hours and on weekends. I have full-time, part-time, hourly, sick child, date night, weekend, and overnight services.
I am sure you will enjoy taking full advantage of my accumulated knowledge and experience, along with my flexibility and resourcefulness. Therefore I would like to be able to speak with you so that we may better understand your needs and determine if we might make a good team. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me for additional information and/or to arrange for a site visit (when I will release rate information).
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Monique.
infant, care, child, family childcare, FT, PT, sick child, date nights, overnights, weekends, drop in (all tags)
Ask The Safety Guy: Safety Messages for Low-Income Families
Dana | | 0
Ask The Safety Guy
Linda from Oakland asks: What safety messages should we convey to low income families?
This question was raised while I was presenting to a group of nurses and pediatric residents who work with low income families many of whom reside in sub-standard housing situations. It is relevant and poignant as these families do not have the luxury of purchasing baby-proofing products (not to mention affording a professional service provider to baby-proof their home). For these families in particular, we want to educate and empower them such that they will at a minimum practice safe sleeping, safe bathing and safe transportation with their children.
SAFE SLEEPING
Thanks to a broad educational campaign, most parents are well aware of the importance of placing children (under 1) to sleep on their backs. However, too frequently, a safe sleeping location has not been provided. It is safest for a baby to sleep in a crib on a firm well fitted mattress in a crib that meets the current safety standards. The crib should also be free of decorative bumpers, plush toys, pillows and comforters. Co-sleeping, adjacent to a parent can also be safe, but only when safe practices are followed (e.g. no pillows, no entrapment potential, no soft bedding, no drug use by adults, etc.). Babies should never be placed to sleep on couches, chairs or bean bags. Safe sleeping is something every parent can provide for their baby, regardless of their socioeconomic condition by following these simple practices.
SAFE BATHING
Safe bathing is all about appropriate supervision. It’s not about having the Elmo spout cushion. Constant adult supervision is the key. Bring the phone into the bathroom with you so as to not be tempted to run and get it. Stay in the bathroom until the water is completely drained from the tub, and never rely on an older sibling to supervise a younger one. Several times each year a younger child drowns in the bath tub while bathing with a three or four year old sibling. A three or four year old is only marginally safe themselves not to mention supervising an 18 month old. No bath is better than an unsafe bath, so only give your child one if you can also provide your undivided attention.
SAFE TRANSPORTATION
Proper use of car seats should truly be a given by now. Low income parents can receive free car seats and professional installation from their local Safe Kids Coalition and other agencies. All parents should be trained as to the proper installation and use of their children’s car seats. Again, Safe Kids holds events and has a list of community resources available to help parents of every demographic and location. If you are not certain of the current best practices or of the proper use of your existing car seat(s), please contact Safe Kids today. They are the go to resource for safe transportation practices for our children.
Every child is entitled to at least safe sleeping, bathing and transportation. It is a good reminder to all of us to make sure we are following safe practices and encouraging others to do so as well.
My discussion with the hospital staff evolved to even counseling families to identify the proper crib location so as to be least susceptible to being hit by stray bullets. It is sad that this is reality for some parents. When families have to even consider such an issue, it is understandable why attention to other injury prevention best practices is often overlooked.
For all parents, awareness of the potential hazards that may impact our children is the critical first step. Awareness, when combined with active supervision and safe practices, goes a long way to reducing both the frequency and severity of childhood injuries.
Submit your questions to ms@homesafety.net. Martin Simenc, The Safety Guy, is the President of Home Safety Services, Inc., the Bay Area’s largest and highest rated baby proofing company.
They can be reached at 1-888-388-3811.
The Safety Guy is a registered trademark of Home Safety Services, Inc. Copyright 2009.
Interesting article about Child Development
jorsari | | 0
Illustration by Jon Berkley
Keeping kids safe at home - Ask the Safety Guy
Dana | | 0
Ask The Safety Guy
Paula from Santa Clara asks:
Should I allow my child to play on a trampoline?
Sadly, my advice is to not allow children to play on trampolines. I say “sadly” because jumping is one of the great joys of child, and trampolines can be both great fun and good exercise. Unfortunately, the risks of potentially serious injury outweigh the benefits from my perspective as a parent and that as of The Safety Guy.
Injuries from mild to paralysis occur when children fall off the trampoline or by landing on their head when attempting to do a flip. Injuries more frequently occur when two or more are jumping, and the smaller child is five times more likely to be injured. Not surprisingly, the rate of injuries is highest for children under the age of six.
Analysis has also found that supervision is not sufficient to prevent injuries. Safety devices, such as nets, also fail to do the trick. A recent study in Austria (Schalaman - 2008) found that nets were present in 56% of the cases when injuries occurred.
Although they recommend against the use of home trampolines, if one is to be used, the American Academy of Pediatrics has the following safety recommendations.
Location of the trampoline and safety features:
• Clear the surrounding area and set it away from trees, fences, and playground equipment.
• Set the trampoline where it is surrounded by an energy-absorbing surface (e.g. mulch).
• Buy and use a frame pad that covers the entire area of the spring system.
• Consider lowering the height to ground level by putting the trampoline in a pit.
Before using the trampoline:
• Set rules for trampoline use and discuss them often with your children.
• Tell your children about the risks of not using the tramp properly.
• Have your children remove any necklaces.
Using the trampoline:
• Have someone properly train your child how to do flips and other complex stunts.
• Never allow more than one person to use the trampoline at the same time.
• Do not allow bouncing followed by jumping off of the trampoline.
• Have an adequate number of spotters around the edges of the trampoline.
A recent study in Austria summarizes my point when it concluded that “at present, trampolines cannot be made safe for recreational activities and are of an unacceptable risk even under supervision.”
Submit your questions to pros@homesafety.net. Martin Simenc, The Safety Guy, is the President of Home Safety Services, Inc., the Bay Area’s largest and highest rated safetyfitting company.
They can be reached at 1-888-388-3811 or at www.homesafety.net.
The Safety Guy is a registered trademark of Home Safety Services, Inc. Copyright 2009.
child, safety, home, childproofing (all tags)
How to keep your little one safe in the kitchen, especially around the stove.
Dana | | 0
Dear CPMC baby step community - below you will find information from the "Ask The Safety Guy" newsletter. Hope you find this information useful.
The stove is a frequent source of serious childhood injuries – all of which should be prevented. Here’s what can happen and how to avoid it from occurring.
Burns / Scalding
It is so simple, but it is worth stating for those who are not already doing so: use only the back burners and keep your pot handles turned inwards. Doing so will make it much more difficult for your little to reach something hot that she should not. It is also important to make sure that we are consistent with the messages we convey. By this I mean that, contrary to tradition, we should not let youngsters play with pots and pans. If we do, what is to stop them from thinking that a pot is still a toy when it is on the stove full of boiling water? It is best to keep your pots and pans (and just about everything else) inside latched cabinets.
Fires
Many parents are very concerned that their child may inadvertently turn on the stove and cause a fire or get burned. Most children, however, are not attracted to the stove knobs and no action is required. If your child has demonstrated an interest or fascination with the stove knobs, our best advice is to remove the stove knobs when not in use. It is easy to do so by simply pulling vertically on the knobs themselves. This simple approach tends to be more effective and parent friendly than any of the so-called “baby-proofing” knob covers (don’t fit or tedious to use) or plastic barriers (not secure, awkward and unattractive).
Tip-overs
Free standing stoves have another potentially devastating hazard – the potential to topple over onto a child that stands on the oven door. Although, it may sound remote numerous fatalities have occurred in this manner. The good news is that tip-overs are readily prevented by installing the anti-tip device that is provided with every stove upon purchase. We often encounter stoves in which the hardware was never installed and find it in a plastic bag taped to the back of the stove. It is an easy and important do-it-yourself task.
Bonks
As toddlers look for anything and everything in order to pull themselves up, they may grab on the dish towel hanging on the oven door. If they grab on both sides of the towel, they may inadvertently do so with enough force to open the oven door and get “bonked” in the face. The oven latch by SafetyFirst works well on many (but not all) ovens to keep the door closed.
Cuts, Poisoning & Choking
Latch those cabinets. Yes, it makes sense to latch everything below the counter height with the possible exception of the towel and Tupperware drawers. Use magnetic latches (Tot-Locks) for the highest hazard areas (beneath the sink and cutlery) at least. Plastic latches like the ones made by KidCo work well for the other cabinets and drawers.
Taking these precautions should make your time in the kitchen a little less stressful and a lot safer.
For more safety tips, or to review other Ask The Safety Guy topics, go to www.homesafety.net. You may also submit your questions to pros@homesafety.net. Martin Simenc, The Safety Guy, is the President of Home Safety Services, Inc., the Bay Area’s largest and highest rated safetyfittingTM company.
They can be reached at 1-888-388-3811.
The Safety Guy is a registered trademark of Home Safety Services, Inc. Copyright 2008
