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Choking and Swallowing Hazards
-Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel and small toys are potential choking hazards for small children because they may block the airway. The general rule of thumb is that if it’s small enough to fit in the mouths of babies and toddlers, they shouldn’t play with it.

-Common holiday foods such as peanuts or popcorn are potential choking hazards and should not be given to children under four years of age.

Fire and Burn Safety
-Keep your tree secured in a sturdy stand so that it doesn’t tip over or isn’t knocked over by kids or pets.

-Place it away from all heat sources such as electrical outlets, radiators and portable space heaters. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure that it is labeled “fire-retardant.”

-Unplug all lights, both indoor and outdoor before you go to bed or leave the house.  Never overload indoor or outdoor electrical outlets.

-Keep candles away from windowsills and mantles and use only flame-retardant decorations when decking your halls.

Accidents
-The kitchen is often a busy place during the holidays with more cooking and baking than usual. There are a lot of opportunities for burns and scaldings. Keep pot handles turned away from the front of the stove and always keep the oven door closed. 

-Keep breakable ornaments out of the reach of young children or keep them off the tree until your children are older.

Poisoning
-Plants such as mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and Jerusalem cherry are considered potentially poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children. Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect that your child has eaten any part of a plant, immediately call your doctor or poison control at (800) 222-1222.

-”Bubble lights” containing methylene chloride can be poisonous if a child drinks the fluid from more than one light even if labeled nontoxic.

-Alcohol poisoning is a common risk for children during the holiday season. Many parents host holiday parties where alcohol is served. Parents should remove all empty and partially empty glasses immediately following parties. Children often imitate adults and may drink the beverages they see adults drinking.

 Costume Safety
-Avoid masks that limit or block eyesight.  Instead consider facepaint or make-up.
-Avoid black costumes and choose bright or reflective colors if possible.  If your child’s costume is black think about using reflective tape on the costume for greater visability.
-Purchase costumes, wigs and accessories that are flame resistant.
-Make sure the costume isn’t too long, so your child doesn’t trip.

Pumpkin Carving Safety
-Small children should never carve pumpkins.  Let little kids draw a face on the pumpkin with a marker and parents can do the cutting.
-Young children can also paint pumpkins instead of carving them.
-Votive candles are the safest for inside a pumpkin.  There are also candle alternatives offered at many stores.
-Make sure pumpkins are placed on a sturdy surface where kids can’t knock them over.

Welcoming Guests
-To keep homes safe for trick-or-treaters, remove all planters, toys, bikes and decorations from the front porch.
-Wet leaves should be swept away from sidewalks and steps, so no one slips.
-Restrain pets so they don’t jump up or bite trick-or-treaters.

Gathering Treats
-A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
-Teach kids to only go to homes with porch lights on and never enter someone’s house for a treat.
-Make sure each child has a flashlight with new batteries for Halloween night.
-Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency.
-Only cross the street at established sidewalks and never assume you have the right of way.  In the dark, motorists often have trouble seeing little kids crossing the street.

Backpack Safety
· Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
· Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10-20% the student’s body weight.
· Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
· Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

Traveling To and From School
School Bus
· If your child’s school bus has lap or shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when on the bus.
· Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
· Do not move around on the bus.
· Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing.
· Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.

 
Car
· All passengers should wear a seat belt or size appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.
· Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat.
· All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can fit in the rear seat, move the front-seat passenger’s seat as far back as possible and have the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit properly without it.
Bike
· Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
· Ride on the right side of the road, the same direction as auto traffic.
· Use appropriate hand signals.
· Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
· Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility.
Walking to School
· Make sure your child’s walk to a school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
· Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.
· Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

Developing Good Homework and Study Habits
· Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent workspace in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
· Set aside ample time for homework.
· Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
· Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for her.
· Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
· If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren’t able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child’s teacher first.

Participants will learn the following:

• How to safely supervise children of all ages.
• How to perform basic childcare skills like diapering, dressing and feeding.
• How to handle discipline issues.
• How to identify safety hazards and prevent injuries.
• How to care for common injuries and emergencies like choking, burns, cuts and insect stings.
• How to effectively communicate with children and their parents.

For more information on the camp or to get registered, contact the American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids at 616-456-8661 and ask for extension 3604 or 3407.

• When in the sun, make sure you always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15. 
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Pay attention to signs of heatstroke, like excessive sweating, racing heart rate, dizziness and fatigue.
• When near the water make sure that all children know how to swim.  If not, children should wear a Coast Guard approved lifejacket at all times.
• Make sure that all children in the water have proper supervision.  There should always be one designated adult watching who isn’t reading a book, tanning or talking with friends.