Not only is November the start of the Holiday season, but it is also National Child Safety Month. At Paradiso Insurance, we believe every family should be informed and educated about ways to keep your children safe from potential dangers. No parent ever wants their child to become injured or in need of emergency care.
Still, you need to understand and teach your children how to be safe when you aren’t around. Here are our insurance agency’s top tips to keep your children safe at school during National Child Safety Month.
Staying Safe at School
While teachers and staff at school do their absolute best to care for your child during the school day, here are a few things to discuss with your child to ensure their safety.
Backpacks
Pick the right backpack for your child carefully. The right one should have ergonomically designed features enhancing safety and comfort.
- Explain to your children using both straps while wearing their backpack will be more comfortable for them. It helps evenly distribute the weight on their shoulders
- Ask them not to overstuff a backpack. Keep it light, it should weigh no more than 5% to 10% of your child’s body weight
- Rolling backpacks should be used cautiously since they can create a trip hazard in crowded school hallways
Playground Safety
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year, more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger go to U.S. hospital emergency departments with injuries associated with playground equipment.
- To reduce strangulation hazards on playgrounds, have your child leave necklaces and jackets with drawstrings at home
- A few bumps and bruises can be expected when your child plays sports, but head injuries should never be ignored.
- Kids love to run. Be sure you explain to them the importance of their surroundings. Some playgrounds have uneven ground surfaces that could increase their chances of tripping.
Concussions
It’s estimated that every three minutes, a child in the U.S. is treated for a sports-related concussion. It’s vital to know the symptoms and steps to keep kids safer on and off the playing field. Signs and symptoms of concussion include:
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Glassy eyes
- Forgetfulness
- Slowed speech
- Clumsiness or poor balance
- Changes in mood, behavior or personality
Transportation Safety
Safety doesn’t stop after the bell rings. Whether your child walks, rides a bike, or takes the bus home after school make sure they are following these safety precautions.
Walkers
- Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available; if on a street with no path, walk facing the traffic
- Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if vehicles are coming
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross at crosswalks or intersections
- Stay alert and avoid distracted walking
Bike Riders
- Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file
- Come to a complete stop before crossing the street; walk bikes across the street
- Stay alert and avoid distracted riding
- Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing
Bus Riders
- Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus
- Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three big steps) away from the curb
- If your child has to cross the street in front of the bus, teach them to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other
Looking for more safety tips to keep your family protected during