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Did you remember to change your clocks & smoke alarm batteries?

Posted on November 8, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

When it’s time to “fall back” and change the clocks on Sunday, Nov. 7, make sure to check the batteries in all of your smoke alarms – it could save your life.

Did you know that having a working smoke alarm reduces a person’s chance of dying in a fire by half? For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Smoke alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings, and tested monthly.

It’s important to replace smoke alarm batteries once a year, unless they’re 10-year lithium batteries. Even if your smoke alarms are hardwired, replace the batteries in case of a power outage.

To learn more, visit our Fire Safety page.

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Running for Team Safe Kids New Jersey: Ali’s thoughts & perspective on completing his second marathon

Posted on November 4, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

Running a full marathon may seem like an individual accomplishment, but when you’re a part of something like Safe Kids, you are no longer alone on the road. That’s certainly how it felt throughout the week leading up to the race as well as on race day itself.

 If you’ve ever been on a field trip as a child and got worried because your parents weren’t there – but were relieved when you saw the care and focus that you’re caretakers provided – well that’s how it felt on Sunday October 31st! As a dad who’s always looking after details like food, transportation, full tank of gas, spending cash, passports, visa’s, luggage, etc., it was so nice to know that I had a team behind me who was able to help with these details. It made me feel like a kid again, at least for this one day.

Dan Orzechowski and Allison Murphy, Safe Kids USA, looked after every detail to ensure that runners could maintain their focus on the challenge in front of them. From picking up race kits to supplying Metro passes to the runners, Dan and Allison handled it all. On the morning of the race, Carma Hanson, Coordinator, Safe Kids Grand Forks, ND, managed the process of getting us from the hotel to the starting line – right down to bagels and peanut butter for breakfast!!

The morning was pretty chilly and we wanted to get to the race sight at least an hour before the start. All us runners huddled under a big tent and got to know one another. I could tell that each runner was committed to finishing for the sake of the cause. There was no nervousness, no pre-race jitters – just pure courage fueled by knowing why you’re running.

The Marine Corp Marathon is known as the People’s Marathon. The streets are lined with supporters. At no point during the 26.2 mile course are you alone as runners. Supporters stand on the side of narrow bridges just to cheer you on. Of course I wore the Safe Kids t-shirt that was folded and placed in my race kit for me. As I ran by people, especially those with their children in tow, I could see their approval. Many would yell out “Go Safe Kids!!!”, and several reached out for a high-five. There are a lot of charities and other causes being represented by runners in the Marine Corp Marathon, but for me, the support I receive from all the contributing members of Safe Kids have always made me feel directly connected to the cause.

I am looking forward to doing it again next year!!

~ Ali A. Zaidi

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Halloween Doesn’t Have to be a Dangerous Night for Children

Posted on October 15, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

On a potentially dangerous night of the year for child pedestrians, Safe Kids New Jersey urges parents to prepare children to act safely and drivers to take extra precautions.  On average, twice as many kids are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year.

Kids need proper safety instruction before they go out trick-or-treating.  Many kids will be out trick-or-treating while it is dark and thus more difficult for drivers to see them.  There are several simple and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk or injury.  For example, children younger than age 12 should not be alone crossing streets on this night without an adult.  If older kids are mature enough to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision, parents should make sure they go in a group and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting.

Drivers need to be extra alert as there will be more children on the streets and sidewalks – and may also be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday.  Drivers – be sure to slow down on neighborhood roads to make Halloween more enjoyable for everyone, but also to help save lives.

 

Top safety tips Safe Kids USA recommends for parents:

  • Cross the street safely at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.  Walk, don’t run, across the street.
  • Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
  • Slow down and stay alert – watch out for cars that are turning or backing up and never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
  • Costumes can be both creative and safe. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, so choose non-toxic face paint and make-up whenever possible instead. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as be seen by drivers.  While glow sticks are good for visibility, remember that the liquid in glow sticks is also hazardous, so parents should remind children not to chew on or break them.
  • Slow down in residential neighborhoods and school zones. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
  • Be especially alert and take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  • Slowly and carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
  • Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  • Check Candy – While kids never want to wait to dive into their candy, it is best to check sweets for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them

For more tips on how to keep kids safe while walking on Halloween and throughout the year, visit http://www.usa.safekids.org/  



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The Second Year Running for Safe Kids

Posted on October 7, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

Running a 26.2 mile marathon is no small feat. There is a considerable amount of motivational, emotional and physical strength that is needed to cover the distance. For Ali Zaidi, running for a great cause and being a part of Team Safe Kids New Jersey, gives him the motivation to step up to the plate and run the Marine Corps Marathon for the second year in a row.

“The key to success is establishing the right priorities,” says Ali. “I was able to continue my training while meeting all other personal obligations because I put the important people first. And those same important people turned around and helped me achieve my training goals. So here I am – ready to run the Marine Corp Marathon once again”

Safe Kids New Jersey is thrilled that Ali, a resident of Chester, NJ and father of three, will be running again for our kids at this year’s Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC on October 31, 2010.  His only concern this year is that the marathon happens to fall on Halloween. However, since this is his second year doing the marathon, even his family understands the importance of running for a cause like Safe Kids. “When I realized the marathon was on Halloween I approached my family and asked them if it was ok for me to run given that I probably won’t be able to make it back home to New Jersey in time for trick or treating, “ says Ali. “ It’s because of the very warm reception that Safe Kids provided my family with in Washington last year that my daughters said that if my running will help Safe Kids – then I should go ahead and complete the race.”

Completing 26.2 miles is a real badge of honor, but it’s nothing compared to helping prevent a lifetime of suffering for a child with a serious injury. You can support us in our goal of keeping kids safe from injuries every day by contributing to Team Safe Kids New Jersey. We know that what we do works and we need your help to continue our mission. Through our statewide network of local Safe Kids New Jersey coalitions, your contribution will help us educate and protect families throughout our state.

It is fast and simple to support this great cause by making your tax deductible donation online by clicking here.  Or, you can mail your contribution, made payable to Safe Kids Worldwide to:

Carol Ann Giardelli
Safe Kids New Jersey
One Johnson & Johnson Plaza, WH-1305
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08893

Please put “Team Safe Kids NJ State” on the memo line of the check. 

We will continue to keep you updated on our progress!

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August is Back To School Safety Month

Posted on August 13, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

With summer ending and the start of school just around the corner, drivers need to do their part to keep kids safe as they walk and bike to school. Whether you are taking your kids to school or just driving through a school zone, you can do your part to keep kids safe. August is designated as Back-to-School Safety Month, and we want to remind motorists to be extra careful at all times.

Follow the tips below to make sure you keep your children safe while walking and biking to school.

Top Back to School Safety Tips

Here are some simple reminders for drivers:

  • Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  • Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.
  • Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.

Reminders for your kids:

  • They should cross the street with an adult until the age of 10.
  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
  • Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars.
  • Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them.

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Fireworks Are Not Child’s Play

Posted on July 1, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

Summer memories often include lighting sparklers and watching fireworks during 4th of July celebrations, however, hundreds of children are injured from fireworks each summer. 

Fireworks can cause serious burn and eye injuries. In 2009, 3,300 children ages 0-14 were injured from fireworks. Of these injuries, 70% occurred in the weeks surrounding July 4th.

The safest choice to leave is to leave fireworks to be used by professionals. 

  • Children should never play with or light fireworks or sparklers.
  • Adults who use fireworks should not use them around children.

How much do you know about fireworks safety? Take the Safe Kids firework safety quiz: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-spotlight/fireworks-safety/fireworks-safety-quiz.html

Safe Kids New Jersey wishes all parents and children a safe 4th of July!

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Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car

Posted on May 19, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

Every year since 1998, heat stroke or hyperthermia has claimed an average of 37 children when they were left alone in cars.  It need not be a very hot day for the car to become too hot for a young child’s body.  There is no temperature when it is safe to leave a child alone in a car as their bodies heat up 3-5 times faster than an adult’s.  Heat stroke, which can cause permanent brain injury or death, occurs when a child’s core body temperature reaches 107 degrees.  Children as old as 13 have been affected.

We urge all parents and caregivers to NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE IN A CAR for any reason or any amount of time.  Here are some tips to be sure your child does not get left unknowingly in a vehicle:

  • Dial 911 immediately if you see an unattended child in a car. EMS professionals are trained to determine if a child is in trouble.
  • Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open.
  • Place a cell phone, PDA, purse, briefcase, gym bag or whatever is to be carried from the car on the floor in front of a child in a backseat. This forces the adult to open the back door and observe the child when they reach for their belongings.
  • Set your cell phone or Blackberry reminder to be sure you dropped your child off at day care.
  • Set your computer “outlook” program to ask, “Did you drop off at daycare today?”
  • Have a plan that if your child is late for daycare that you will be called within a few minutes. Be especially careful if you change your routine for dropping off little kids at day care.
  • Teach children not to play in any vehicle.
  • Lock all vehicle doors and trunk – especially at home. The car is not a playground.
  • Check vehicles and trunks FIRST if a child goes missing.

For more information go to www.safekids.org/nlyca .

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Happy Mother’s Day from Safe Kids New Jersey!

Posted on May 7, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

Help bring peace of mind to the moms in your life with Safety Basics from Safe Kids.

Find a Safe Kids New Jersey event near you.

 

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Sports Safety Tips to Keep Kids in the Game

Posted on April 26, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

Spring is officially here, and with the warmer weather comes many opportunities for kids to be active. More than 30 million kids under 14 participate in organized sports, and more than one in 10 ends up in the emergency room after suffering from a sports injury.

Whether your kids are elite athletes or just shooting hoops in the driveway, Safe Kids New Jersey has tips for keeping kids injury-free so they can stay in the game:

 

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Every child should receive a pre-participation physical evaluation (PPE) every year. These exams help with the prevention and treatment of any underlying conditions the young athlete may have.

Action: Parents, talk to your child’s doctor and ask them to perform the full Pre-Participation Evaluation. You can download a copy of the exam here.

BEFORE PRACTICE, PLAY OR COMPETITION: Warming up and stretching before play is essential. This helps athletes avoid injuries such as muscle tears or sprains by stretching and releasing any muscle tension.

Action: Make sure there is time set aside before every practice and game to warm up. This could mean a light run, jogging in place or anything that brings the athletes’ heart rate up gradually. Instruct the kids on how to stretch muscles and holding for 10-15 seconds.

HYDRATION: Hydrating well before, during and after practices and games is a must.

Action: Make sure your athlete drinks about 12 ounces of fluid 30 minutes before activity begins; at least 10 gulps every 20 minutes of play and every 20 minutes during the first hour after the activity to make up for fluid loss.

GEAR: Wearing the appropriate and properly fitted sports equipment can help avoid minor and serious injuries such as concussions.

Action: Make sure your athlete has the proper equipment to perform at his or her best—this may include helmets, shin guards, ankle braces, shoes with rubber cleats, and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

QUALIFIED COACHING: Become properly trained and learn the sport-specific techniques that can prevent injury or illness that can occur.

Action: Establish safety guidelines that athletes, parents and coaches will follow such as PPE requirements, hydration breaks and ways to prevent or detect concussions and overuse injuries.

SUPPORTIVE PARENTING: Learn how you can help your child stay injury-free and optimally healthy.

Action: Make sure the child receives a PPE by their doctor, encourage hydration before and after the game and learning about the signs and symptoms of a concussion are just a few critical action steps you can take.

Parents, share the Safe Sports Tip Sheet and visit Safe Kids USA to take the Sports Safety Pledge.

Find a Safe Kids New Jersey sports safety event near you.

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Northern NJ Safe Kids is Ready to Roll!

Posted on April 26, 2010 by SafeKidsNJ

Sunny skies were welcomed for the Netcong Ready To Roll Bike Rodeo 2010. Nearly 70 students participated and those who needed new helmets and received them were thrilled. Reflective spoke stickers were easily attached to every tire that was not rolling. This year we brought a new station into to the rodeo. . . HOT AIR! At this station kids were able to fill their own tires with air.

Again, Safe Kids brought a life skill to life. Hats off to our partners, Netcong PTA, Morris County DOT, Netcong Police Department and Cycleworks. Keep rolling. . .

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