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GENERAL SAFETY TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOU CHILDREN HEALTHY

Every year, millions of children in this country are injured accidentally and many of these injuries require medical attention. Many of these accidents are avoidable if parents take the necessary safety steps to prevent them.

Mercy Medical Group is dedicated to promoting healthy, safe environments for children. For help in planning a safety program for your household, check the items below which apply to your family. Then, take a child's-eye tour (on your hands and knees) of your house and yard, looking for additional ways to make your children's work and play environment safer and more fun.

AUTO SAFETY:
Use car safety seats that comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan­dard every time your child rides in the car. For maximum protection, car seats should be placed in the middle of the back seat per the manufacturer's instruc­tions. Air bag deployment in the front seat is extremely dangerous for children. Infants birth - 20 lbs. should ride in rear-facing car seats. Children 20 lbs. -40 lbs. must ride in forward-facing car seats. Children over 40 lbs. must ride in booster- style seats until they outgrow them. Do not hold children in your lap and do not allow older children to ride unbuckled. Don't forget to buckle up yourself!

BURNS:
Buy only flame resistant sleepwear treated to comply with the US Product Safety Commission's Flammability Standard. Keep hot liquids, foods, and electri­cal cords out of your child's reach and place guards in front of open heaters, radiators, and fireplaces. Teach the danger of matches and open flames and keep matches and lighters out of your child's reach. Also, have a family fire drill and designate a meeting place out of your home in case of fire. Teach your children to Stop, Drop, and Roll! and to Stay Low and Go!

BATH:
Check bath water temperatures with your elbow. Set your water heater to
120° F. Never leave children unattended in the bath and use nonskid bath mats to protect your children from slipping and banging their heads.

BICYCLE SAFETY:
Buy bicycles which are the appropriate size for your child. Always insist that your child wear a helmet and you wear a helmet, too. Be a good role model for your child.

CPR CLASSES:
We recommend all parents and childcare givers take a CPR course. Contact OneCall for Health (251-1000) for information on class times and locations. Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Place carbon monoxide alarms throughout your residence. Call the Fire Department for information on placement and mainte­nance. Check the batteries twice a year when the time changes.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS:
Install safety plugs or outlet covers in all wall sockets. (Available at all hard­ware, toy and general stores (Target, K Mart, etc.). Whenever possible, remove easily overturned lamps and electrical cords. Keep electrical cords out of your child's reach.

MEDICINES AND VITAMINS:
These are not candy! Keep all medicines and vitamins (Too many vitamins are dangerous!) high above the reach of children in a locked cabinet. Also, beware of grandma's purse and house - many grandparents take numerous medications which are very intriguing to children.

POISONS:
If you suspect that your child has swallowed, inhaled, or touched any poison­ous substance or plant, call the Poison Control Center (381-3891) immediately. If possible, have the poison container or plant handy so that you can give as much information as possible to the Poison Control Center. Do not call your doctor's office. The Poison Control Center or the Emergency Department can help your child faster.

ROLLER BLADES:
Insist your child wear wrist guards, a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads and wear them yourself. Be a good role model for your child.

SLEEP:
Position your infant on his back or side (with support) when sleeping. Put crib side rails up with the mattress all the way down by the time your baby is 6 months. Take out the mobile by age 6 months.

SMOKE ALARMS:
Place smoke alarms throughout your residence. Call the Fire Department for information on placement and maintenance. Check batteries twice a year when the time changes.

TRAFFIC:
Provide constant supervision when your child is playing outside. Teach children to use only sidewalks for walking and riding tricycles and bicycles. Firmly instruct children to remain away from the street. Most children are not ready to cross the street by themselves until at least 8 years of age.

WATER SAFETY:
Supervise children at all times when swimming. Teach your child how to swim. Insist that children swim with buddies. Swim classes are available throughout the year. Check with your municipal pool, the Red Cross, the YMCA, or the YWCA.