Throughout the month of November, awareness is raised around child safety through various campaigns in recognition of National Child Safety and Protection Month. Whether they are at home, school, in the community, or travelling, creating safer environments for children can go a long way to help prevent injuries or even worse.
In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the leading cause of death for 1- to 19-year-olds in the U.S. was unintentional injury. Their report shed light on another tragic fact: motor vehicle crashes claimed the most lives.
National Child Safety and Protection Month helps us refocus on doing what we can, where we can, to prevent unnecessary injuries and fatalities. There are practical steps parents and caretakers can take to help increase child safety, including securing insurance coverages. Safety is just as much about prevention as well as preparedness and planning.
Inside The Home
Anyone with babies or toddlers now how curious young children can be. What poses little to no danger to older children or adults can be hazardous or deadly for a child. Many injuries and poison exposures happen at home.
Childproof early and often: Regularly walk through your home from a child’s perspective. What can be grabbed, climbed, tipped over, swallowed, or tripped on? Depending on their age, what needs to be addressed? You may need to add safety gates at stairs. Ensure heavy furniture cannot tip over. Outlet covers are essential with babies and small children around. Keep cleaning products, medications, and other small objects out of reach.
Sleep and crib safety: Visit the National Institute of Children Health and Human Development for their recommendations on creating a Safe Sleep Environment for Baby.
Fire, water, and burn protection: The household should have and practice a fire escape plan, so everyone knows exactly what to do. Test your smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. Monitor children around water. Drain bathtubs, buckets, or other standing water sources immediately after use. Children also need to be directly taught about what’s hot and shouldn’t be touched. Keep rules clear and age-appropriate for stoves, fireplaces, irons, and other hot surfaces.
Poison prevention: Store medications and hazardous substances in locked cabinets or out of reach. Prevention is the priority when it comes to child safety. However, accidents and unexpected injuries still can happen. Insurance coverage becomes part of the safety net to help alleviate financial costs associated with covered care.
Let the licensed agents at InsureOnline.com help you find the best coverage to fit your family’s needs and budget. From personal auto insurance to homeowners to health insurance, we can help you shop around and discuss your options.
Give us a call at (844) 358-5605 or contact us to get the conversation started.
Outside the Home and Community Safety
The preventative measures you can take will depend on your child’s age and lifestyle. Some general ideas include:
Helmet and gear for play and sports: Many injuries can be prevented with the correct and well-fitted gear. Helmets are essential when riding a bike, scooter, skateboarding, and more.
Street, traffic, and pedestrian safety: Children must be directly taught how to cross the street and what the rules are. Do they need to be with an adult? Do they need to hold your hand? Teach them the importance of “looking both ways.”
Swimming and pool safety: Children must be supervised at all times when swimming. You can take measures to prevent a wandering child from falling in. A self-latching gate around the pool can prevent a small child from wandering near the water. Keep toys away from the edge to prevent children from reaching for them and potentially falling in.
Outdoor hazard check: Routinely inspect any play equipment for loose screws, rust, exposed wires, or anything else that poses a danger.
It’s important to routinely review your insurance coverages too. As your life changes, your needs may as well. The licensed agents at InsureOnline.com are happy to discuss your current policies and help you decide if any adjustments may be better for you. Call us at (844) 358-5605 or contact us to discuss.
Know your neighbors and neighborhood: As the old saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Connect with your neighbors. They may turn into great advocates and a resource to help keep your kid safe. Make sure your child knows the neighborhood. Walk it with them and explore new areas together. Help them feel comfortable in their environment, know where to go for help, and where to stay away from.
While On the Road
Children need to learn how to be safe in and around vehicles. They also need to be kept safe while travelling.
Teach children about vehicles: Children need to be taught not to run or play around vehicles, even if they are parked. Vehicles can be very dangerous, and a child could easily be in a driver’s blind spot. Early education about the dangers of cars and how to behave around them can be helpful.
Use the correct car seat or booster for your child’s height and weight: Follow installation directions properly. Remove bulky coats before harnessing keeps straps fit snugly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Car Seats and Booster Seats is a good resource to help determine what your child may need.
Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle: Heatstroke is a serious risk in the hotter months. Children can be curious. If the vehicle is left running, they could easily put it into motion.
Teen driver safety: Handing the keys over to your teenager is a milestone for both of you. As new drivers, they are only beginning to develop their skills. The NHSTA has a comprehensive overview of Teen Driving including tips for parents in how they can support safe driving habits. Make sure to add your teen to your auto insurance policy immediately to ensure they are a covered driver!
Are you looking for ways to save on insurance? InsureOnline.com can help you shop different companies at once, so you can compare prices and options. Our licensed agents can offer expert guidance to help you select coverage that makes the most sense for you. You can call us at (844) 358-5605 or send us a message to start the conversation.
National Child Safety and Protection Month reminds us that the world made for adults needs some adjusting for our little ones. Taking necessary precautions, following the guidance of experts, and remaining vigilant can help make the world a safer place for our children.
About InsureOnline.com
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