January e-news
Welcome to the very first 2016 edition of Kidsafe Vic’s e-news. We hope all our subscribers had a wonderful and safe Christmas period.
The team is back in the office and ready for a busy year of child injury prevention. Our e-news will keep you up to date with the latest news and information about child safety. Remember to like us on Facebook and Twitter so you never miss a thing!
This month, we will share some summer safety tips and information on the upcoming Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo. You will also find some of the latest product recalls, as well as a very special Kidsafe announcement.
Have a question about child safety? Suggest an e-news article to us by emailing bree@kidsafevic.com.au
Happy reading and stay safe!
Australia Day Tip
On January 26th, families across Australia will be firing up the BBQ and enjoying a day with friends and family. It seems that people who own a pool become extra popular on days like Australia Day (we can’t imagine why!).
When lots of adults and children gather for a pool day, it can often seem like there is extra supervision for children who are swimming. However, these situations can often be the most risky, as everyone may assume that someone else is watching the kids.
If you are having a BBQ this Australia Day, nominate one adult as the ‘designated supervisor’ for children who are swimming in the pool. That way, there is no confusion as to who is watching the kids. This role can be shared throughout the day so everyone gets a chance to relax.
20 seconds and a few centimetres of water is all it takes for a toddler to drown, so be sure to keep any little ones within arm’s reach.
For more pool safety tips please visit Pool Fence Safety.
State Government Launches ‘No Exceptions, No Excuses’ Campaign
On Tuesday the 12th January, Kidsafe Victoria joined Ambulance Victoria, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, the Victorian Department of Education and Training and Rebecca Judd, to warn parents and carers about the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars as part of the State Government’s ‘No Exceptions, No Excuses’ campaign.
The warning comes after paramedics were called to 225 cases of children left in cars during December, an increase from the 161 calls in December 2014.
The high temperatures during summer mean that it is extremely dangerous to leave children in cars, even if it is only for a short amount of time.Temperatures inside a parked car can reach 20-30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature, with most of this increase occurring within the first five minutes of parking the car.
Ambassador for the ‘No Exceptions, No Excuses’ campaign, Rebecca Judd, also suggested that parents and carers keep car keys in pockets while unloading the car, to prevent children from being locked inside accidentally.
For more information on children left unattended in cars, please visit Hot Cars
Congratulations to our CEO
Kidsafe Vic would like to officially congratulate our CEO Melanie Courtney on the arrival of her beautiful new baby girl, Paige Annabelle Courtney.
Paige was born in early December and has already won over everyone in the office, as well as her older brother Blake.
We would like to wish Melanie all the best with the new bub, and look forward to seeing her back in the office when she returns later this year.
Catch Kidsafe at the PBC Expo in Feb
Save the date! The special edition of the Pregnancy, Babies and Children Expo is on at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on the 27th and 28th of February, so make sure you make a note in your diary.
Kidsafe will be there to answer any of your child safety questions, as well as handing out some free safety resources.
Head to the website now to get your hands on your free ticket and save $20. We’d love to see you there!
Expo Information and free tickets: http://www.pbcexpo.com.au/melbourne-special/
Product Recalls
Hoverboards
The ACCC has recalled a number of hoverboards over recent months, due to safety concerns about electrical fires. Remember to look for the Australian Regulatory Compliance symbol on the packaging of these devices to ensure they adhere to safety regulations. For more information about hoverboard safety and to find out which brands have been recalled, please visit https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1081137
WWRD United Kingdom, Ltd.—Wedgwood Peter Rabbit Silver Plated Baby Rattle
The silver rattle, sold at Myer and David Jones stores across Australia, may come apart when in contact with water or subjected to pressure. This could release small round beads from the rattle that pose a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should return the rattle to its point of purchase for a full refund. For more information, please visit https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1080920
