Fire Safety & Water Safety: Can’t Schools Teach Both?
Last updated on June 5th, 2018 at 03:04 pm
My daughter came home from school yesterday full of news from the fire safety assembly. Every year there is an assembly that coincides with Fire Prevention Week, established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. What really impressed me were the messages communicated to the children. The firefighters told the children what they most wanted to know:
- Your dog and cat will get out of the house on their own, before you, so don’t worry about them, and if you have a fish, the water will keep them safe until the firefighters rescue them;
- Check your bedroom door for heat, if it’s hot, stuff a blanket under the door and then open the window, throw something heavy through the screen and call for help;
- Keep all your stuffed animals and pillows in your room and throw them at the firefighters to get their attention if they don’t hear you over the sirens, and don’t worry, you have time, it takes an hour for a door to burn down.
Why were these messages so effective? Someone really listened to children and told them what to do to stay safe, but within the context of what really concerns children. I can tell you from the frantic pleas of my own children to chase down the dog and cat and get them to the basement when the tornado siren goes in my town, pets and stuffed animals/favorite toys are THE most important thing to a child during a crisis, so giving them safety information in the context of what matters most to them is extremely effective.
What also struck me, being the water safety mom, is that every school child in the U.S. is taught fire safety in school, starting in preschool, but we don’t teach water safety. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 308 children under age 15 died of unintentional fire and burns in 2010, yet 727 died from unintentional drowning. More than double the number of children drown than die from fire, but we aren’t teaching water safety in the schools. It’s worse if you add in the 15-24 age group, where drowning claims a staggering 656 lives but fire isn’t even mentioned in the ‘top 10’ list of causes of death.
Does this concern you? It concerns me but this can only change with your help.
Every year May 15 is International Water Safety Day. I need each of you to work to add a water safety assembly into your school or preschool curriculum. Now is the perfect time to start the process, you have plenty of time. Coordinate with the school principal, the PTO, and the School Board. Line up a speaker – I’m willing to bet your local YMCA, Park District, or Red Cross would be more than happy to spend 20 minutes talking to children about water safety. Or coordinate with your local Rotary International group and bring Josh the Otter, Stewie the Duck, or some of the great free materials at www.poolsafely.gov to your school.
The messages for children are equally simple as the fire messages:
- Never go near water without an adult;
- Wear a life jacket whenever you are on a boat or if you can’t swim or can’t swim in deep water;
- Take swim lessons;
- ‘I can swim’ means you can swim the length of a big pool without stopping or putting your feet on the bottom.
Your willingness to spend a small amount of time will have a positive impact on all the children in your community for the rest of their lives. Are you in?
Summer, Families and BBQ Safety
Last updated on October 5th, 2015 at 11:12 pm
It’s official, the kids are out of school and summer is here. All the things that happen during the summer will soon be upon us and grilling on the barbeque is certainly on that list. The list of safety precautions for the 4th of July and fireworks is a mile long and will be on every news station for the coming weeks. What will not get too much air time is the list of safety tips for Barbeque grills and the dangers of grilling. Being in the Firefighting profession, I have seen what happens when people take the Barbeque for granted and do not give the grill the amount of respect and preparation it deserves. From terrible burns to adults and children to house fires, grills definitely deserves your attention.
Grilling facts from NFPA
Be sure to use safe grilling practices as the peak months for grilling fires approach – June and July. Gas grills constitute a higher risk, having been involved in an annual average of 7,200 home fires in 2007-2011, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average of 1,400 home fires.
Facts & figures
- In 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,800 home and outside fires. These 8,800 fires caused an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 140 civilian injuries and $96 million in direct property damage.
- More than one-quarter (27%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 29% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 6% started in the kitchen.
- In almost half (43%) of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, half (51%) of the outside gas grills, and 29% of gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire.
So while the grill is going and the steaks are on this summer, please remember that you need to be aware of the grill at all times. Now, when the grill and kids are brought together, there is an added level of awareness needed. Kids are naturally curious and that can be very dangerous when a live burning barbeque is involved so when the kids are around it is a good idea to introduce them to the barbeque and establish some safety rules such as a safety zone around the grill and not walking behind the grill and having a zero touching policy.
While at the Trauma center this past year with an adult patient, I met the parents of a 5 year old girl who was in surgery because their daughter had grabbed the grates on the grill and severely burned her hands. The father told me took his eyes off the grill for 1 minute to get a drink and that’s when his daughter went to the grill. It happens that fast.
So please be safe with the grill this summer. Have fun, eat well but be safe.
Keep Your Family Warm AND Safe: The Best Present You Can Give
Last updated on September 12th, 2015 at 10:46 pm
Its winter, those words do not strike fear into the hearts of many down here in sunny south Florida, but as for the rest of the country, I am sure it means a whole lot more. No matter where you are or how cold your area may become, staying warm in the winter is a must and doing it in the safest possible way should be a priority for you and your family. According to the N.F.P.A. (National Fire Protection Agency) heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Almost half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February. Some simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires from happening.
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
- Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Test Carbon Monoxide Monitors as well. Some heaters put off Carbon Monoxide.
- Have a Family Approved and Practiced Emergency escape and meet plan in case a Fire or other emergency should occur.
So as you can see, these are just a few tips to keep us all warm and safe through this winter season. Please feel free to add to this list and check your warming equipment every year before its put into use.
Thank you and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the beach here in Miami.
7 Ways to Protect Your Home and Family this Hurricane Season
Last updated on March 2nd, 2018 at 04:06 pm
Post-hurricane, you always meet two types of people: Those who’ve gotten hit severely and wonder what they could have done differently, and those who’ve avoided damage — thanks to luck or solid preparation.
After Hurricane Sandy last year, Ira Pastor, an IT professional living in Merrick, N.Y., was unfortunately the first type. “We didn’t really prep,” he admits. “I never thought anything would happen.” But during Sandy, Pastor found himself huddling with his family in the dark — his house was flooding and electrical wires snapped and hissed outside. By the end of the storm, Pastor didn’t recognize his neighborhood anymore. Now, eight months later, he is still cleaning up. “I think we’re going to sell our house,” he says. “It just doesn’t pay to live here anymore.”
Climatologists predict that the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season, which began in June and ends in November, will likely be extremely active. Do these seven things now to protect your home and family, and you’ll avoid ever finding yourself in Pastor’s predicament.
1. Get impact-resistant windows.
It only takes a Category 1 storm (winds of 74 mph) to break a regular window, but impact-resistant windows can withstand hurricanes of the highest classification, Category 5 (winds exceeding 156 mph). That’s because they’re made of laminated glass (an interlayer is permanently bonded between two pieces of glass, forming a barrier that protects against hurricane-force winds) and heavy-duty, reinforced steel frames that hold the windows in place.
Cost: Around $1,000 per window
2. Install a storm door and windows.
If impact-resistant windows seem a bit too pricy, a more affordable solution is to install storm windows over your current ones, as well as a storm door. Both feature heavy weather-stripping to reduce air infiltration; a stabilizer bar runs along the middle for extra strength. Most door manufacturers sell pre-hung doors in kits so installation is easy. The kits include all the hardware you need to install the door, such as hinges, pneumatic closers and latches.
Cost: Around $75 per window, $300 per door
3. Reinforce your garage door.
About 80 percent of residential hurricane damage starts when wind enters through garage doors, according to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. To keep you and your kids safe, consider replacing your garage door system with an impact-resistant one or hire a contractor to add struts, sturdier rollers, hinges and braces for additional strength.
Cost: Around $1,200 to replace garage door system, $600 to hire a contractor to reinforce your garage door
4. Secure your roof.
Your roof’s ability to withstand high winds depends on its shape. Gable-end roofs (aka triangular) are more susceptible to damage than hip-shaped or flat roofs. If your house has a gable-end roof, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes recommends you check that it’s braced properly. To do this, go to your attic and see if the gable end has been reinforced with any framing boards. Properly braced boards should connect back to roof trusses or framing boards to create horizontal or diagonal support, like this. If your roof is not properly braced, hire a contractor to do the work.
Cost: Around $100 per gable end
5. Get a standby generator.
One downed power line can leave you in the dark for days, unless you invest in an automatic standby generator. Wired directly into your home’s electrical system and fueled by natural or LP gas, a standby generator reacts instantly to power loss, safely switching from utility to generator power. When the power is back, it shuts itself off and returns to standby mode.
An added benefit: Properly installed units don’t pose a carbon monoxide poisoning risk, unlike other gas-powered heating alternatives that use oil, kerosene, wood, propane and charcoal.
Cost: $2,000 to $15,000, depending on number of watts (can range from 8,000 to 60,000)
6. Stock up on emergency supplies.
The American Red Cross recommends that you store at least three days’ worth of food, water and supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency kit (in case of evacuation), and a two-week supply at home in case stores are closed and you cannot leave the affected area. Supplies should include a flashlight, radio, first-aid kit, medications, batteries, personal documents, cell phone, emergency contact info, cash, emergency blanket and a map. Remember to check your supplies every six months and replace outdated items.
Cost: Varies, depending on number of family members and age of kids
7. Inventory your stuff.
Finally, if you ever do incur damage during a storm, an inventory of all your stuff will speed up the insurance claim process afterward. If you haven’t already, create or update your inventory and store it in a safe place away from home. Get started at the Insurance Information Institute’s KnowYourStuff.org.
Make Your Home Healthy for Winter
Last updated on September 12th, 2015 at 10:47 pm
With all the time spent inside during the winter, it pays to make your home a healthy sanctuary. All it takes is a handful of small changes to help protect yourself and your family against viruses and toxins, as well as boost immunity and well-being, says Dr. Frank Lipman, director of the Eleven-Eleven Wellness Center in New York City. Here’s how:
1. Winter Worry: Indoor Air Pollution
Smart solution: Houseplants
Indoor air pollution is a bigger worry in winter months because very little fresh air is coming in – meaning that chemicals released by everything from cleaning products to dry cleaning bags stay inside your home. “Plus, families are more 
likely to use fireplaces and candles, which both release pollutants into the air,” says Dr. Philip Landrigan, director of the Children’s Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. When your immune system is distracted by these toxins, it’s less likely to fend off cold and flu viruses that come your way. The good news is: “Just one small plant can help remove pollution from 100 square feet of space,” according to Dr. Lipman. Spider plants, English ivy and Boston ferns are some of the best air-filtering houseplants.
2. Winter Worry: Musty Smells
Smart solution: Oranges
Without fresh air circulating in your house, you may be tempted to buy an air freshener or spray a deodorizer. “But they can emit harmful chemicals called particulates,” warns Dr. Landrigan. Give your house a pleasant citrusy scent by baking orange peels at 300 F for about 15 to 20 minutes, then cracking open the oven door to let the aroma spread throughout the house.
3. Winter Worry: Bacteria and Viruses
Smart solution: Slippers
You know it’s important to wash your hands. But for another source of germs, just look down….to your feet! A University of Arizona study found nine species of bacteria on people’s shoes, which can easily transfer them to tile floors and carpeting. What’s more, boot and shoe soles can track chemicals (like those from road de-icers) into your house as well! To keep your home healthy, keep a pair of slippers in a basket by the front door for each family member. Not only will they be comfier, but your house will be a lot easier to keep clean too.
4. Winter Worry: Dry Air
Smart solution: Humidifiers
Low humidity in your home can dry out nasal passages, causing cracks. Any germs and viruses that do get into your house can get stuck in the cracks, making transmission much more likely, according to research at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. A humidifier can help, so it’s smart to set humidifiers up for the entire sneezin’ season rather than waiting until you get a cold. Just keep in mind that you must empty the humidifier of water daily and dry it out before refilling, as well as do a more thorough cleaning every three days so it doesn’t spread mold or bacteria.
5. Winter Worry: Carbon Monoxide
Smart solution: Carbon monoxide detectors
This colorless, odorless gas given off by furnaces, propane stoves and portable generators sends 15,000 Americans to the emergency room every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, the CDC notes that the most accidental carbon monoxide poisonings occur in January. So if you haven’t already, install a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Be sure to include the basement, because that’s where most heating systems are and a problem can be detected there first. However, don’t place it within 15 feet of a heating system or gas-burning appliance because it may emit a small amount of carbon-monoxide on startup. And just as with your smoke detector, be sure to change the batteries every six months, suggests Landrigan.
6. Winter Worry: The Blues
Smart solution: New Lightbulbs
Lack of sunlight can trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that tends to occur in winter. Your body’s levels of melatonin, a hormone produced during darkness, may increase, causing such symptoms of depression as sleep problems, lethargy and anxiety. Fortunately, there’s an easy preventive measure you can take for that: replace your regular bulbs (or at least those in rooms where you spend a lot of time) with full-spectrum ones that mimic natural sunlight, suggests Lipman. You can pick them up at most hardware stores.
Why Are There So Many Recalls on Kids’ Products?
Last updated on July 21st, 2018 at 08:45 pm
I’m checking my email on my iPhone 4S (don’t you love Siri?) and click on “an important message” from Build-A-Bear Workshop. I think it has something to do with my daughter Kate’s online game account. Nope. It says that one of the stuffed animals I bought has been recalled because parts of it present a choking hazard and that I should bring it back to the store for an exchange. I look at the picture, and sure enough, I have seen that bear before … on Kate’s bed.
I’m actually trying to decide whether I should kidnap the bear and return it to the store (will she ever miss it among the pile of other teddies?) when I scroll further down my email. More bad news: Pottery Barn Kids sent me an email about the bed I bought for Kate three years ago. It says several canopies have fallen down on children and urges me to remove it immediately while I wait for replacement parts. What the heck! I think she’ll notice that the top of her bed is missing!
I appreciate getting recall notices. I really do. I don’t want my daughter playing with dangerous toys, sleeping on a hazardous bed or eating contaminated food. But, geez, why couldn’t they get it right the first time? I vent to Nychelle Fleming of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the agency that tracks all the nonfood recalls and advocates for stronger safety standards: “How widespread is the problem?”
Fleming shoots me off a list of the recalls for the last month: rattles (choking hazard), lunchboxes (problems with the cool gel), desk chairs and stools (lead paint), gas grills (fire hazard), even bike helmets (don’t meet standards to prevent injury). In the first three weeks of January, in fact, there were nearly 20 different types of products recalled, representing almost 1/2 million items sold. Honestly, with as much stuff as we have in our house (send me your de-clutter tips!), it’s no wonder I don’t own more recalled items. Fleming actually thinks I might. “Do you check regularly for recalls?” she asks.
I confess; I don’t. I knew about the stuffed bear and the canopy because the companies sent me emails. More and more businesses, she says, retain purchase records and alert consumers to a problem. In addition, Fleming thinks I should also fill out product information cards on items I buy. I often resist 
doing this — I get plenty of junk mail already — but she says a recent law prevents companies from doing anything else with the info except contacting you if something goes wrong. Of course, she says the CPSC also posts all the recalls on its home page, CPSC.gov. And for food recalls, you can look at Recalls.gov/Food.
The CPSC doesn’t think there will be a drop in recalls anytime soon — standards are higher, and reporting of injuries is better than ever — so it’s just something we’ll all have to deal with. Grrr. But at least so far in my experience, companies are trying to make things right. Kate got a cute new bear, and Pottery Barn Kids is sending a repairperson to my house to fix the hardware on the canopy. And with the millions of dollars recalls must be costing big businesses, it’s certainly in their best interest to make their products safer the first time around.
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PedSafe Editor’s Note: If you’d like to check if a product you’ve purchased for your child has been recalled, we have a “Recalled Product Search Tool” that we host on our Innovations page that will enable you to search the CPSC database
