July e-news
Welcome to the July edition of Kidsafe’s e-news! This month we have our top 5 tips for winter safety, as well the most recent product recalls. We also have some very exciting news about our new Community Support Centre!
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook so you never miss a safety tip!
Happy reading and stay safe.
Top 5 Tips for Winter Safety
Winter: it’s cold, it’s wet and it’s here! The colder months mean more time spent indoors, which also means that there are some indoor safety hazards that we need to be prepared for. Here are our top 5 winter safety tips:
1. Hot drinks and young children don’t mix
Hot drinks and cooking oils are the most common cause of scald injuries to young children. These scalds usually occur when a child pulls a cup down on themselves, or they pull on an item like a table cloth that causes a drink to fall. When warming up with a hot drink this winter, be sure to keep your mug in the centre of the table or bench so that a child can’t pull it down. Always put down your tea or coffee when nursing children to avoid being knocked and spilling hot liquid onto the baby.
2. No extra blankets in the cot
While we as adults like to pile on the blankets during winter, remember that doonas, sheepskins or extra blankets should never be placed inside a cot. During the colder months, dress your baby in warmer sleeping clothes and consider using an infant sleeping bag. Using an infant sleeping bag that is the correct size and weight for the season with a fitted neck, arm holes and no hood is a good way to avoid having to use extra unnecessary bedding which could potentially pose a suffocation hazard. More tips on safe sleeping.
3. Set your water delivery temperature to a maximum of 50 degrees
Did you know that at 60 degrees, water can cause a serious burn within one second? Take the temperature down to 50 degrees and it takes 5 minutes to cause the same injury. Having a licenced plumber set your water delivery temperature to a maximum of 50 degrees can protect your child from a serious burn injury and potentially life-long scarring. More tips for preventing burns and scalds.
There is a television in almost every home, but not many people are aware of the risk that our TVs can pose to curious young kids. Every year, many children are seriously injured from furniture or appliances falling onto them. The majority of incidents involve children who are under four years of age. Unstable furniture like TVs and drawers should be secured to the wall with anchors or brackets. These items can be purchased from your local hardware or appliance store. This ten minute task could save a child’s life. More tips on TV and furniture safety.
5. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can have potentially fatal affects. Gas appliances should be checked regularly, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Energy Safe Victoria recommends having your gas heaters checked by a professional once every two years at minimum. Visit the Chase and Tyler Foundation website for more advice on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.
For more tips on how to prepare your home for a safe winter, please visit http://dev.kidsafevic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/attachments/Winter_Tune-up.pdf
WE DID IT!
We would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who donated to our Community Support Centre Appeal last month.
When the campaign closed on Thursday the 30th June, we had raised $13,161 towards the fit out of our new centre, which is amazing!
But there’s more…
Hyundai Help for Kids have kindly offered to donate the remaining $1,839 needed to reach our goal, which means we have hit our target of $15,000!
We are now well on our way to fitting out our new Community Support Centre. We are so excited for our move to Monash Children’s Hospital and we hope you will come and visit us in our new home in 2017!
Again, thank you to all of our wonderful supporters. It is fantastic to know that there are people in the community who are as passionate about child safety as we are.
Australasian Road Safety Conference 2016
Calling all surgeons, trauma specialists and medical and rehabilitation practitioners! The Australasian Road Safety Conference is coming to Canberra on 6-8 September.
With the theme of ‘Agility, Innovation, IMPACT’, this year’s conference will have a special focus on how all stakeholders can become more agile in harnessing the latest innovations to reduce crashes and save lives.
For more information on the conference including speakers, the program and registration, please click here
Product Recalls
Smiggle—Yoco Loco children’s yo-yo
If the yo-yo is dropped or knocked the button batteries may pop out. If swallowed, these coin sized batteries can cause serious internal burns in as little as two hours. The yo-yo can be returned to Smiggle for a full refund. For more information please click here
IKEA—PATRULL, PATRULL KLAMMA, PATRULL FAST Safety Gates
There have been cases of the gate opening unexpectedly, causing children to fall down stairs. The gates should not be used and can be returned to Ikea for a full refund. For more information please click here
Sunny Textile Industries Pty Ltd—Plum Bamboo 3.0 TOG Sleepbag
The stitching may detach from the sleeping bag, creating a strangulation hazard for infants. Consumers should cease using the sleeping bag immediately and return to point of purchase for a full refund. For more information please click here
