April e-news
Welcome to the April edition of Kidsafe Victoria’s e-news. To our new subscribers, we hope that our monthly newsletter will provide you with some helpful safety tips and advice. Remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter so that you are always up to date!
This month, we bring you tips on three important ‘F’s; Fire safety, Furniture safety and First aid. We also have information on the latest product recalls. If you have any questions or suggestions for our e-news, please email info@kidsafevic.com.au
Happy reading and stay safe!
Furniture Safety
In 2013, a Perth mother tragically lost her two year old daughter when she was crushed by a falling television. Now, three years on, Megan Cammillleri is using her story warn other parents about the dangers of unstable furniture.
Every year, many children are injured when furniture or appliances tip on to them. Children are naturally curious and will often use furniture such as drawers, bookcases or television units to climb, causing them to tip or fall. This is exactly what happened to Ms Cammilleri’s daughter, who had a habit of climbing on furniture. Like many parents, Ms Cammilleri didn’t realise just how dangerous unstable furniture can be to children.
There a number of simple steps that can be taken to keep your child safe from tipping furniture, including:
- Securing unstable furniture and items to the wall with brackets and/or anchors.
- Anchoring your TV to the wall or cabinet.
- Pushing the TV as far back as possible on the TV stand.
- Removing items from the top of the TV and furniture that might tempt young children to climb, such as toys, lollies and remote controls.
- Choosing furniture with a broad and stable base.
This week, take the time to make sure your furniture is secure. The five minutes it takes to check your furniture could safe a child’s life.
Fire Safety
We regularly charge our phone batteries, but how often do you check the battery of your smoke alarm?
According to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), if you don’t have a working smoke alarm and a fire occurs:
- You are 57 per cent more likely to suffer property loss and damage
- You are 26 per cent more likely to suffer serious injuries
- You are 4 times more likely to die.
Smoke alarms are compulsory in all Victorian homes, but only working smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms need to be tested regularly and replaced every 10 years.
With the weather cooling down, now is the perfect time to check your smoke alarms. You can test your smoke alarms by using a broom handle to press the test button.
For more information on smoke alarms and fire safety, please visit http://www.mfb.vic.gov.au/Community-Safety/Home-Fire-Safety/Smoke-Alarms.html
First Aid Tips
We do everything we can to protect our kids from serious injuries, but would you know what to do if the unthinkable did occur?
The best way to ensure you are prepared to step in and help a child during an emergency, is by taking part in a formal first aid course every three years and updating your CPR knowledge every 12 months. There are a range of first aid courses available in Victoria, with some designed specifically for carers of young children.
Kidsafe Victoria’s Post Injury Support Portal has links to a number of helpful fact sheets with tips on what to do in the event of an injury to a child. There is also information on how to support someone who is dealing with a serious injury to a child, or the death of a child due to injury.
For more information, please access our Post Injury Support Portal via: http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/post-injury-support
Product Recalls
IKEA—LATTJO Bat Cape Dress-Up Costume
The cape’s neck fastener does not have a ‘quick-release’ design and may become stuck and difficult to detach in an emergency. Consumers should stop using the cape and return it to any IKEA store for a full refund. For more information please visit https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1084968
phil&teds’ Most Excellent Buggy Company Limited—phil&teds Dash v5
The main hinge of the stroller may loosen with use and pose a pinching hazard. If you have this product you can register online for a replacement frame. For more information please visit https://www.recalls.gov.au…
Big W Sleeping Bags
Big W is recalling a number of sleeping bags due to press studs that could come loose and pose a choking hazard to infants.
- The sleeping bags that are being recalled are:
- Dymples Infants 00-2 Sleeping Bags – Multiple Prints
Newborn Miffy Sleeping Bag Consumers should stop using the sleeping bags and return them to any Big W store for a full refund.
For more information, please visit https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952912
