The Palmdale Sheriff Station designates
October as Child Safety month
For all
Nixle Messages from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station Click the link below
Nixle: Los Angeles
County Sheriff's Department, Palmdale Station
Child Safety Month-Halloween Safety Tips October
31st
Halloween can be such a fun and exciting
night, however according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) due to
increased foot traffic and Trick-or-Treaters out at night, the potential for
automobile related accidents with young pedestrians increase four times on this
night. It is extremely important to educate ourselves and our children on the
potential dangers which can occur on such an exciting night. Below are tips to
help our children stay safe and injury-free:
•Children under the age of 12 years-old should trick-or-treat with an adult. If
your child is mature enough to be out on their own, they should stick to
familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups. They should know
how traffic signals work and when the proper time to cross at an intersection
which is designated by signals.
•Drive extra safely on Halloween. Drive below the posted speed-limit,
especially in residential areas. Children are excited and may not be paying
attention to vehicles when crossing the street. Do not pass another vehicle
that has stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off children.
•Explain to your child the importance of looking both ways twice and listening
to your surroundings before crossing the street. Remind them to continue to
watch for cars even when they are crossing the street. Remind them not to cross
mid-block.
•To prevent falling or tripping, costumes should be the right size. Face paint
and make-up can be a better alternative than a mask. A mask has the ability to
obstruct a child’s vision.
•Have your child carry glow sticks or a flashlight to help them see and be
seen. If possible, decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers.
•Halloween is a night child predators are looking for victims. Prior to going
out, talk to your children about strangers. Instruct them to NEVER get into a
stranger’s vehicle under any circumstance. If someone stops and asks your child
for help or tries to lure your child into their vehicle, tell them to scream as
loud as they can and run.
•DOUBLE CHECK your child’s candy. Make sure your child’s candy has not been
tampered with. Throw out all unwrapped candy.
•Remember, it is more common for small children to choke because their
swallowing mechanism has not fully developed and they have small airway
passages, therefore children under five should not have hard candy. These foods
are dangerous due to the fact they can easily become lodged in a child’s
throat.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
how to have the safest Halloween. If you would like more detailed information
on Halloween Safety Tips, please visit www.safekids.org. If you
have any questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at
661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Teen Peer Pressure October 30th
According to Teen Help, teen peer pressure
is the influence a teen's social group has on him or her. Peer pressure is a
part of life for everyone, but it can be an especially strong influence during
the teen years when peers are very important to a teen's identity. Below are
tips which can help your teen deal with peer pressure in their everyday life.
•Before your teen gets into a situation have them decide what their values and
standards are. Talking to your teen and being a good example can help a teen have
the self-confidence they need when faced with difficult situations.
•Teens should avoid situations where people are doing things they don’t want to
do.
•Choose friends who have good morals and values. Many times good friends use
positive peer pressure, which in return helps us make better decisions.
•Before you get into a situation you may not be able to get out of; think about
it. Is this a good decision? Am I doing this for the right reasons? Will this
harm me or others? What will be the consequences for my decisions?
•Practice saying “No”. Have a premade excuse so you are not caught off guard
when asked about something you do not want to engage in.
•Talk to your parents or a trusted mentor about the peer pressure you are
facing; listen to their advice.
•With your parents or a trusted mentor come up with a code word you can use to
let them know when you are in a bad situation but can’t openly talk about it.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our teens on how
to deal with peer pressure. If you would like more detailed information on teen
peer pressure, please visit www.teenhelp.com. If you
have any questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at
661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Safe
Driving Tips for Teenage Drivers October 29th
According to the
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), teenage drivers account for more auto
accidents than any other age group. If you are a parent of a teen driver, here
are some safety tips for your child:
•Do not TEXT or use your cell phone when driving! It is against the law. Many
studies indicate when using your cell phone while driving, even using a
hands-free phone, is the equivalent to driving drunk.
•Turn on your headlights. By having your headlights on you can increase your
visibility and help other drivers see you.
•Always obey the speed limit. Speeding causes 40% of all fatal teen accidents.
•Becoming distracted as a driver is very easy. Eating, drinking, finding a
radio station and loud music are just some of things which can distract a driver.
These distractions are even worse for an inexperience driver and increase the
odds of becoming involved in a traffic collision.
•Your new driver should drive solo. Having a single teen passenger in the
vehicle can double the risk of causing a car accident. For every additional
passenger, the risk of an accident increases.
•Practice defensive driving by being aware of traffic ahead, behind and next to
you.
•Do not tailgate another vehicle. A good rule to follow is the “two second
rule”. A driver should not follow another vehicle less than two seconds behind
it. To determine this, the driver should pick a stationary object on the side
of the road. When the vehicle directly in front of you passes the object, you
should count the seconds it takes for your vehicle to hit the same point. If
your count is less than two seconds, you are following too closely.
•If possible, choose a safe vehicle and one with an excellent crash safety
record. A vehicle with air bags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control
are some of the latest safety equipment that should be considered when choosing
a vehicle.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
how to become defensive drivers and reduce the risk of traffic collisions. If you
would like more detailed information on safe driving tips for teenage drivers,
please visit www.dmv.org. If you have any questions or concerns,
please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi
Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety
Month-Earthquake Safety Tips October 28th
We cannot predict an
earthquake but we can be prepared. The most important thing we can do is
educate ourselves and our children on what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Below are tips that can help reduce the risk of injury or even death in the
event the “big one” hits.
-When discussing Earthquake safety tips with your children, keep things in
perspective. Every year thousands of earthquakes occur in the United States and
the majority are too small to feel or cause any damage.
-In the event of an earthquake show your children where they should be. If they
are at home, have them get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a dining
room table. If they are at school, have them get under their desk or table.
Remind children to stay away from unstable furniture, windows, mirrors, and
hanging objects.
-So your child is not surprised, explain to your child to expect fire alarms
and sprinklers to go off during an earthquake.
-Teach your children the “Duck, Cover and Hold” technique. These three words
children need to know in the event of an earthquake. Teach your child to drop
down and take cover under a
heavy piece of furniture and hold on to it until the shaking stops. If your
child is unable to find furniture, have them duck to the ground near an interior
wall, away from windows, while covering their head and neck with their arms.
-Practice makes perfect! Practice earthquake drills and different scenarios
with your child.
-Explain to your child gas lines can be damaged during an earthquake and
natural gas can be dangerous. If your child smells natural gas have them tell
an adult.
-Have enough food and water in your home to last three days.
-Assemble an earthquake emergency kit. Several web-sites offer a variety of
earthquake kits.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
how to prevent the risk of injury in the event of an earthquake. If you would
like more detailed information on Earthquakes, please visit www.fema.gov. If you have any
questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400
or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Stranger Safety Tips October 27th
Every day our children see strangers in
stores, parks and in their neighborhoods. Majority of these strangers are good
people, but some are not. As a parent you can protect your child from potential
predators by teaching them safety tips about strangers and their suspicious
behavior.
-We often condition our children to think strangers look scary. This is
actually dangerous for our children to think this way. Pretty strangers can be
just as hazardous as the not-so-pretty strangers. Teach your child no one can
tell by looking at a stranger if they are nice or not. You should teach your
child to be careful around ALL strangers.
-Talking to your child about strangers can be difficult and confusing. You want
your child to be careful around strangers but in some cases you want your child
to ask a stranger for help if they are in trouble. For instance, if your child
is being followed by a stranger, the safest thing for them to do in many cases
is ask a stranger for help.
-Safe strangers are people your children can ask if they need help. Fireman and
police officers are two examples of safe strangers, who are very recognizable
in public. Teachers, nurses, principals and Liberians are safe strangers
children can trust as well.
-Teach your children if they need help immediately, and if possible, go to a
very public place like a restaurant or a grocery store.
-Teach your child the warning signs of a dangerous situation such as an adult
asking them to disobey or keep secrets from their parents.
-Teach your child it is OK to say NO. If an adult makes your child feel
uncomfortable, teach them it is OK to walk away, scream or yell, even indoors.
-Constantly practice different scenarios with your child so they understand
what kind of different situations they can be faced with. The more your child
practices, the more confidence they will have in their abilities if they are
ever placed in a dangerous situation.
-Know where your children are at all times. Teach them safe places to play and
paths to walk. Teach your children to play in numbers; there is safety in
numbers.
-The most important safety tip is to teach your children to trust their
instincts. Tell them some adults they may know and trust may make them
uncomfortable. If this happens teach your child to get away as fast as possible
and tell someone. Reassure your child you will always be there for them.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
how to reduce the risk of dangerous situations concerning strangers. If you
would like more detailed information on stranger safety tips, please visit www.ncpc.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the
Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome October 26th
Sudden Infant Death
syndrome (SIDS) is when a baby 12 months or younger dies while sleeping with no
warning signs or a clear reason. There is no 100% way to prevent SIDS; however
there is a lot you can do to lower your baby’s risks. Since parents started following
the tips below, SIDS cases have dropped 50% in the United States.
-A sleeping baby should always sleep on their back. Once the child reaches 6
months they may began to roll over on to their stomach. Do not panic, it’s ok
once the baby knows how to roll over.
-A firm mattress with fitted sheets will prevent smothering or suffocation. All
a baby’s crib needs is a sheet. Do not put items like blankets, quilts,
pillows, toys, stuffed animals or crib bumpers in your baby’s crib.
-Do not smoke around your baby. Babies born to women who smoked during their
pregnancy die from SIDS three times more often to women who don’t smoke.
-It is extremely dangerous for a baby to sleep in bed with their parents or
another child. The potential for smothering or suffocation is extremely high
when parents sleep with their babies. Furthermore, “grown-up” beds have too
many hazards for babies, like large soft pillows, loose sheets and blankets.
-According to WebMD, breastfeeding and Immunizing your baby can lower the risk
of SIDS by as much as 50%, though experts aren’t sure why.
-Researchers are not sure why but putting your baby to sleep with a pacifier
may also help prevent SIDS.
-Overheating may raise a baby’s risk of SIDS. Do not layer your child with
blankets and heavy clothes. The room temperature should be at a level that’s
comfortable or an adult.
-Do not give honey to a baby under a year old. Honey can lead to botulism in
very young children. Researchers believe Botulism and the bacteria that cause
it may be linked to SIDS.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves on how to reduce the
risk of SIDS within our families. If you would like more detailed information
on SIDS, please visit www.m.webmd.com. If you have any questions or concerns,
please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi
Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Pet Safety October 25th
In most households, pets are considered a
very important part of the family. When introducing an animal into your home,
help keep your child safe by following the safety tips below.
-When considering a dog, know the breed and their disposition. Some breeds tend
to bond to one member of the family and become defensive around others.
-Teach your child how to safely approach an animal. Make sure the animal sees
the child as well as sniffs the child. Educate your child not to pet an animal
while they are eating, sleeping or caring for their young.
-Teach your child not to provoke or tease a strange animal. Majority of animal
attacks on children are considered provoked.
-Do not hug an unfamiliar animal, especially around the animal’s neck. Always
supervise small children around animals.
-If an animal attacks, you may be able to decrease injury by placing an object
like a purse, jacket, bike, or anything else that can serve as a barrier
between you and the animal.
-Teach your child if they are knocked to the ground, immediately curl into a
ball, placing their hands over their ears and lie still until the animal goes
away.
-If you decide to own an animal, the animal should remain on a leash at all
times when not in a fenced area.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
pet safety. If you would like further information on pet safety, please visit www.kidshealth.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the
Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Power
Outage October 24th
No matter what time of
the year it is, a power outage can occur. Storms, wind, heat, ice and snow are
the most common cause of widespread power outages. Below are safety tips that
can help you and your family stay safe in the event of a power outage.
-First and foremost, remain calm. It is really important to stay calm in the
event of a power outage. If you remain calm, your child will remain calm.
-Every household should have a flashlight and extra batteries accessible in the
event of an emergency. Have a flashlight for each child in the house. The child
will feel more secure and will think of it as a fun situation instead of a
scary situation.
-Never use candles in a power outage or any other emergency situation.
-Make sure you turn off or disconnect any appliances or electronics you were
using when the power went out.
-Do not light a fire indoors. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking
indoors. If you’re cold, start layering warm clothes.
-Keep the door to the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. By
doing this your food will stay fresher longer. Before eating the food check for
signs of spoilage.
-If you see a down power line or utility pole, STAY AWAY! Live power lines can
serious injury or even death. Call 911 immediately.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
how to handle a power outage. If you would like further information on a power
outage, please visit www.911forkids.com. If you have any questions
or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email
Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Teaching Your Child to
Call 911 October 23rd
At any given time an emergency situation
can occur within your home. Teaching your child how to call 911 can save your
life or a family member’s life, in an event of an emergency. You can start
teaching your child how to dial 911 as soon as they can play with a phone.
Below are tips that can assist you in teaching your child how to call 911.
-Teach your child when to call 911 and to know their location at the time of
the call.
-Teach your child to use the home phone before using a cell phone. When using a
home phone your address will automatically be displayed to the 911 dispatcher.
-Teach your child not to hang-up the phone until told to do so. Typically, 911
dispatchers will keep the child on the line until emergency personnel respond.
-Teach your child to remain calm when giving information to the 911 dispatcher.
-Stress to your child how important it is not to make things up. A child may
see the dispatcher’s questions as a quiz and feel they might let someone down
if they don’t know the answer. Teach your child to say “I don’t know”.
-Have your child practice dialing 911 on an unplugged phone. Ask your child
questions a dispatcher would ask in an event of an emergency.
-Teach your child when to call 911. Use concepts like, when an adult can’t wake
up, a fire in the home, or an intruder in the home.
-Stress to your child not to call 911 as a joke. It is a crime in many places
and a citation could be issued.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
how to call 911 in the event of an emergency. If you would like further
information on teaching your child how to use 911, please visit www.kidshealth.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the
Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Fire
Safety October 22nd
Having working smoke
alarms in your home reduce the chances of dying by nearly 50 percent. According
to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost two-thirds of home
fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. Below
are fire safety tips that can assist you and our family in reducing the risk of
injury or death.
•Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside every sleeping
area and in each bedroom.
•Replace conventional batteries at least once a year. Consider installing a
smoke alarm with a 10-year battery life. Smoke alarms expire after 10 years
therefore if your smoke alarm is over 10 years-old, you should install new
ones.
•Have a plan and practice a home fire escape with at least two ways out of your
home in the event of a fire.
•In the event of a fire, leave your house immediately. Once out of your home do
not return.
•In the event your child’s clothes catch on fire educate them on the “Stop,
drop and roll” technique.
•Educate your children on feeling the door and door knob to feel if it is hot.
If the door is hot have your children follow the tip below.
•If you are unable escape your room, keep smoke out of your room by covering
vents and cracks around doors. Call 911 immediately.
•If you are trapped in your home, signal for help at the window with a
light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
fire safety to reduce the risk of injury or death. If you would like further
information on fire safety, please visit www.safekids.org. If you have any
questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400
or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Signs of
Child Abuse October 21st
Child abuse isn’t always
bruises and broken bones. Sometimes it can be difficult to know the signs of an
abused child, especially if they are abused sexually, mentally or emotionally.
No child should have to endure any kind of abuse. It is our duty as a society
to be an advocate and help a child who needs support and guidance when in an
abused situation. Below are signs which may suggest a child is being abused.
-The most obvious sign of child abuse is physical abuse. Visible signs of
physical abuse may include broken bones, burns or bruises. Typically, when the
child is asked about their injuries their explanations are unconvincing.
-Changes in a child’s behavior should raise your suspicions. Abuse can lead to
several changes in a child’s behavior. Children who are abused often appear
scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive. They begin to perform
poorly in school and act out in negative ways.
-Some abused children may revert back to behaviors they displayed in their
earlier ages. These behaviors may include, thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, fear of
darkness or strangers, nightmares, etc. For some children, even loss of
acquired language or memory problems may be an issue.
-If a child is being abuse at home, the child may show apprehension or anxiety
about leaving school and going home to the person abusing them. If you see
these behaviors talk to the child. The child may open up to you. If it is
determined the child is being abused, call your local police department
immediately.
-Children who are being sexually abused may show signs of age-inappropriate
awareness and knowledge of sex or sexual behavior. The child may run away from
home, attempt suicide or involve themselves with drugs and prostitution.
-A child who is neglected may be significantly underweight or overweight. The
child can be developmentally delayed. The child may appear sick and tired,
dirty, have poor hygiene and inadequately clothed.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves on signs of child
abuse. To report child abuse in Los Angeles County contact the Child Protection
Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Toll-free within California
(800-540-4000), calling outside of California (213-639-4500), TDD [Hearing
Impaired] (800-272-6699). If you would like further information on signs of
child abuse, please visit www.lacdcfs.org. If you have any questions or concerns,
please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi
Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Internet
Safety October 20th
The internet is full of
wonderful resources which allow us access to an endless amount of information
with a click of a button. Unfortunately with a click of a button our children
have access and can be exposed to pornography, questionable characters, hate
groups, on-line chat-groups, etc. Below are just a few safety tips that can
help prevent your child from being exposed to harmful websites on the internet.
-Parents have to get involved. Have your computer in a common area, not in your
child’s bedroom. Parents need to monitor their child’s access to the computer
as well as the time spent on the internet.
-Learn how to block objectionable material.
-Share an email account with your child so you can monitor all incoming and
outgoing messages, uploads and downloads.
-Do not allow your child to enter private chat rooms. Your internet service
provider provides safety block features; use them. There is on-line predator
persistently looking for an innocent child to be his
or hers next victim.
-Be aware that posting a message to a chat room reveals a user’s email address
to others. Take your child seriously if he or she tells you about an
uncomfortable online exchange.
-If your child has been befriended on-line by an unknown individual, insist on
being “introduced” or immediately “unfriend” the individual.
-If your child is spending long hours on the internet, especially at night,
receiving phone calls from unfamiliar people, or gifts arriving in the mail,
these can be signs your child is being targeted by an
online predator.
-If you receive any obscene or threatening messages, report immediately to your
internet service provider.
-Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800-843-5678)
if you are aware of any on-line child pornography. Contact your local law
enforcement agency or the FBI if your child received child pornography via the
internet.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
internet safety to reduce the risk of becoming an on-line victim. If you would
like further information on Internet safety,
please visit www.kidshealth.org. If you have any
questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400
or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety
Month-Heatstroke Safety Tips October 19th
According to the
KidsandCars website, on average 38 children die in hot vehicles each year from
heat-related deaths. Even the best of parents or caregivers can unknowingly
leave a sleeping baby in a vehicle; and in the end it can cause serious injury
or even death. By educating ourselves with the tips below we can reduce the
possibility of heatstroke injuries or death.
-Never leave your child in a car alone!
-Make sure your vehicle is locked, including doors and truck, so your child
cannot get into the vehicle on their own. Educate your child that trunks are
for transporting cargo and is not a safe place to play. If you discover your
child is missing, always check swimming pools, vehicles and trunks.
-If your child is locked inside a vehicle get them out immediately and dial
911. Emergency personnel are trained to evaluate children for heatstroke.
-Nowadays parents and caretakers are extremely busy. It may not be part of your
daily routine to take the kids to daycare therefore put something in the back
of your car next to your child such as a briefcase or purse that is needed at
your final destination. This way if your child is sound asleep or quiet you are
aware they are still in the vehicle.
-Another helpful tip is to create a reminder on your electronic device to make
sure you dropped your child off at a daycare. Ask your daycare provider to call
you if your child is late.
-If you see a child alone inside a vehicle, call 911 immediately. Stay with the
child until emergency personnel respond to the location.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
how to avoid getting into unsafe situations in vehicles possibly resulting in
heatstroke. For more information on preventing heatstroke, visit www.kidsandcars.org. If you have any further
questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400
or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety
Month-Babysitter Safety Tips October 18th
Most families at one time
or another need a babysitter for their little ones. Choosing a babysitter to
care for your child can be a difficult process. To make your experience easier
here are a few safety tips to consider next time you are in need of a babysitter
or leave your children in someone else’s care.
·
-If possible, ask a trusted friend or a family member to watch your children.
Having peace of mind can make the experience enjoyable for all parties
involved.
-If you are unable to use family or friends, ask your friends if they have any
recommendations.
-Do not hire any sitter under the age of 12.
-Make sure your sitter is CPR certified and knows first aid.
-Talk with your children about the babysitter; determine if your child is
comfortable around the sitter.
-If you are not completely comfortable with leaving your child with an
unfamiliar sitter, hire them first to “sit” with your child while you are home.
Watch how they interact with your child and respond to different situation that
may arise during the day.
Before the babysitter arrives have a list of the following information by the
telephone. The information below can assist in an emergency situation as well
as educate your sitter on your child’s needs.
-The address and major cross streets of your home should be the first on the
list. If the babysitter has to call 911 the dispatcher will need to know the
location emergency personnel must respond to. More than likely the babysitter
will not know your address so having this information readily accessible will
prevent any delay in EMS response time.
-Write down the address and phone number of the location where you can be
reached. Leave your cell number, spouse’s cell number or anyone you feel that
can assist the babysitter if needed. If you have trusted neighbors, leave the
babysitter your neighbor’s phone number as well as any trusted family members.
-Leave the number for poison control (1-800-222-1222) and the local police or
sheriff station.
-Inform the babysitter if your child has food or drug allergies, or has any
medical conditions you believe they should be aware of.
-If your child takes medication leave specific instructions on the amount to
give, what time the dose is due and the time last given.
-Educate the sitter on how you would like for them to handle misbehavior
issues.
-Inform your babysitter not to open the door or answer the phone. This will
relieve the babysitter of having to disclose the “man or women of the house” is
not home.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves on how to keep our
children healthy and injury-free while with a babysitter. For more information
on babysitting tips visit www.med.umich.edu. If you have any further
questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400
or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety
Month-Medication and Poisons October 17th
Poisoning can happen to
anyone at any age. Some poisons and medications are more likely to seriously
harm children, while others more commonly injure adults. Even the safest homes
contain some form of poison or medication that can cause injury to a child or
cause death. Below is a list of safety tips which can help prevent injuries in
your home.
•All poisons and medications should be stored out of children’s sight and
reach. Small children are usually eye- level with items under the bathroom and
kitchen sink. Many items like bleach, detergents, dishwasher liquid or cleaning
solutions should be kept up high in a locked cabinet.
•Some items may look like they are kid friendly. Read product labels to find
out what can be hazardous to your child. Some items like make-up, plants, art
supplies and personal care products can be hazardous to your child’s health.
When available buy child resistant packages.
•Do not leave poisonous products and medications unattended while in use. Many
incidents occur when adults become distracted for a quick moment.
•Cleaning products should be kept in their original containers to avoid any
confusion. Never put a potentially toxic product in a plastic soda or water
bottle, where it could be mistaken for something else.
•Program the toll-free number for the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222)
into your cell phone and home phone. The number works from anywhere in the
United States 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•If your child collapses and is not breathing or has a seizure, call 911. Do
not make your child vomit or give him anything unless directed by a medical
professional.
•Check your home for lead-based paint. If your house was built before 1978 hire
a professional to control and remove lead sources safely. If lead hazards are
identified, test your child for lead exposure.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves on how to prevent
medication and poison incidents within our homes, reducing the risk of injury
or death. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale
Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-TV and
Furniture Tip-Overs October 16th
According to Safekids, a
child dies every three weeks from a TV tipping accident. Nearly 13,000 children
are injured each year from top-heavy furniture toppling over on them. Top-heavy
furniture, TVs and appliances can be very unsteady. If children pull or climb
on these objects they can easily tip over and fall on the child causing serious
injury or possibly death. These accidents can be preventable by following these
safety tips below.
•Mount flat screen televisions to the wall. Mounting the television to the wall
will help reduce the risk of it tumbling off the stand. Following the
manufacturer’s instructions can ensure your walls are protected and TVs are
properly secure.
•If your television is older, with a large back, place it on a low, stable
piece of furniture. The weight distributions in the older televisions are very
uneven which can easily be tipped over.
•Brackets, braces and wall straps are recommended to secure unstable or
top-heavy furniture to the wall.
•Install stops on dresser drawers. Theses stops prevent the drawers from being
pulled all the way out which can cause the weight of the dresser to shift
making it easier to fall.
•Educate your children on how important it is not to climb on household
furniture. As parents or caretakers avoid placing items like food, toys, remote
controls, etc. on furniture where your child might be tempted to climb up to
reach for them.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
TV and furniture safety, reducing the risk of injury or death. If you have any
questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400
or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Boating
Safety Tips October 15th
Boating is a great way to
spend time with family and friends. However, a fun day on a boat can quickly
turn dangerous without taking proper precautions. By following these safety
tips you can reduce your family’s odds of being injured while boating.
•Always have you child wear a life jacket while on boats, when participating in
water sports or around bodies of water!! The life jacket should be approved by
the U.S. Coast Guard.
•The life jacket should fit securely. Have your child raise their arms straight
above their head, if the jacket hits their ears or chin, the jacket may be too
big or too loose.
•Until young babies are at an appropriate weight to wear a floatation device
they should not travel on a boat.
•Young children are at a higher risk for hypothermia. If your child looks cold
and is shivering wrap them in a dry blanket or towel.
•Have enough life jackets on the boat for all passengers.
•Do not rely on swimming aids such as water wings and swimming noodles. These
toys are meant for fun, they should never take place of a U.S. Coast Guard
approved floatation device.
•Educate your child on basic boating rules and be sure to reinforce them. Teach
your children to keep their hands and feet inside the boat at all times.
•Enroll your family in a boating safety course.
•Do not drink alcohol while boating. The majority of boating deaths occur each
year from boat operators being under the influence.
•Learn CPR. It will give you great piece of mind. Local hospitals, fire
departments and the American Red cross offer CPR training.
•Install a Carbon monoxide alarm on your boat. Carbon monoxide can accumulate
in or around the vessel.
•Teach your child the differences between swimming in open waters and a pool.
Uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean underflow and changing weather can take
down the best of swimmers. Use caution and only swim in areas fit for your
abilities.
•Make sure your child swims only in areas designated for swimming. Do not dive
in shallow waters or in waters you are unable to tell the depth.
•Enroll your child in swimming lessons. Teach your child how to tread water,
float and stay by the shore.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
boating safety to reduce the risk of injury or death. If you have any questions
or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email
Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Choking
and Strangulation Prevention Tips October 14th
Anyone with small
children knows how much they love to explore by putting things in their mouths.
Unfortunately, choking and strangulation can occur. According to SafeKidsUSA in
2009, 1,099 children under the age of 15 died due to unintentional choking/strangulation.
94% of the deaths were children under 5 years old. Below is a list of safety
tips which can help prevent choking and strangulation.
•Never leave a small child unattended while eating. Always cut your toddlers
food up into tiny pieces. It is more common for small children to choke because
their swallowing mechanism has not fully developed and they have small airway
passages.
•Parents and caretakers should not give a child under five small, round or hard
foods (e.g. hot dogs, hard candy, cheese sticks, nuts, grapes, popcorn, raw
vegetables, gum etc.) These foods are dangerous due to the fact they can easily
become lodged in a child’s throat.
•Children should not eat while they are walking, playing or riding in a car.
•When purchasing a toy or game for your little one read the instructions and
warning labels to make sure it is age appropriate.
•Keep all magnets, balloons, buttons, and coins out of your child’s reach.
•Remove hanging cords from window blinds and treatments, especially when near a
crib. Make sure all windows have proper screens that will prevent children from
window falls.
•Avoid putting anything around your child’s neck (e.g. Scarves, strings,
drawstrings, ties, etc.)
•Older children love to play with ropes. They love to swing from trees, tie
each other up, jump rope, play tug-a-war, etc. If you chose to let your child
play with ropes, they should be supervised at all times. Teach your child not
to put the rope anywhere near their neck.
•Learn CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. It will give you great piece of mind.
Local hospitals, fire departments and the American Red cross offer CPR
training.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves on how to prevent
choking and strangulation, reducing the risk of injury or death. If you would
like additional information on educating yourself on how to prevent choking and
strangulation, please visit www.safekids.org . If you are interested in a CPR class
please visit www.redcross.org. If you have any questions or concerns,
please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi
Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Baby
Proofing October 13th
Having a new baby is an
exciting time for a family. It is easy to look at a newborn baby and think it
is safe to wait to baby proof your home. As most parents know, your little
bundle of joy will be a wandering toddler before you know it. When baby proofing
your home start with the basic precautions and continually modify according to
your baby's development. Below is a list of baby proof safety tips which can
help prevent injuries in your home.
•A crib made before 1992 should not be used due to the fact it does not meet
the safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Material
(ASTM).
•Make sure the crib mattress fits securely so your child cannot slip between
the mattress and crib. You should only be able to stick one finger between the mattress,
side rails and headboard. The slats on the crib should 2 3/8 inches apart or
less so the baby’s head does not get trapped.
•Do not put pillows, blankets, electric blankets, heating pads or stuffed
animals in your baby’s crib, this could cause suffocation.
•Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table. Always use the safety
straps on changing tables, bouncy seats and swings.
•Remove hanging cords from window blinds and treatments. Make sure all windows
have proper screens that will prevent children from window falls.
•Place safety door knobs on all doors to rooms and closets. Install toilet lid
locks. Toilet lid locks prevents a baby from playing in the toilet, getting
hurt or drowning. Drawer clasps should be considered on the refrigerator,
dresser drawers, cabinets under sinks, etc.
•Poisons and medications should be stored up high where a toddler cannot see or
reach. Make sure all bottles have child safety lids in case your little one
outsmarts you.
•Throughout the day parents and caretakers should check the floor for small
objects. Babies love to stick small objects in their mouths, which could result
in choking.
•Nightlights should be at least three feet away from the crib, bedding or
draperies. Install fire extinguishers within in the home.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves on how to baby proof
our homes to reduce the risk of injury. If you have any questions or concerns,
please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi
Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety
Month-Playground Safety Tips October 12th
Children love the
playground! It is a great place for them to burn energy, socialize with other
children and just have fun. In order to ensure the playground is a positive
experience for our children, we must keep them safe. Each year in the United
States, hospital emergency rooms treat more than 200,000 children under the age
of 14 for playground related injuries. Below is a list of playground safety
tips which can help prevent injuries on the playground.
•Supervise your child when on the playground. Educate your child on the dangers
of pushing, shoving, or crowding. Teach your child to use the playground
equipment appropriately.
•Look for age-appropriate equipment. Young children play differently than older
children. It is important to have a separate play area for children under five.
•Majority of injuries occur on climbers than other equipment. Make sure your
child has the ability to climb securely and steadily. If your child looks
unsure, help them down and have them use equipment more suitable for their
abilities.
•Dress your child appropriately for the playground. Remove necklaces, purses,
scarves, or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose
a strangulation hazard. Bicycle helmets can even be dangerous on the
playground.
•Check the playground equipment for any hazards, broken equipment, or dangerous
surfaces. If there is any playground hazards, report them immediately and do
not allow your child to use the equipment until it is safe. Report any hazards
to the appropriate local office or organization responsible for the site.
•For parents who have babies who are mostly crawling or learning to walk, the
play area should have a smooth surface. If your baby has good head control and
has the ability to sit up, the baby bucket shaped swing can be an option.
Working together as a community we can educate ourselves and our children on
playground safety to reduce the risk of injury. If you have any questions or
concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email
Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Sports
Safety Tips October 11th
Kids and sports seem to
go together, right? Makes sense considering nearly 30 million children and
adolescents in the United States participate in some sort of youth sports. But
in order for our children to have a positive experience we must keep them free
of injuries and
educate them of the safety of playing sports. Below is a list of safety tips to
help keep your child injury free when playing sports.
-First and foremost make sure your child receives a pre-participation physical
exam (PPE) by a doctor before playing organized sports. The exam can help
exclude any potential medical conditions that may place your child at risk.
-Make sure all your emergency contact information, given to the coach or
organization, is up to date and correct at all times during the sport season.
-Prior to your child’s first practice, talk to the coach about any history of
Asthma or any medical condition that may require special attention.
-Teach your child how important it is to stretch before and after practice and
games. Stretching can help prevent sport related injuries such as muscle tears
or sprains.
-Remember to Hydrate!!! Your child should be hydrating throughout the day by
drinking water before, during and after play. Have your child bring a water
bottle to practice and games.
-During practice and games make sure your child is wearing appropriate and
properly-fitted sports gear to help avoid injury.
-As a parent of a child involved in sports it is important to learn the signs
and symptoms of a concussion. If your child has been hit in the head and a
concussion is suspected, immediately have your child evaluated by a medical
professional. To learn more about the signs and symptoms of a concussion visit www.safekids.org.
-Getting a sufficient amount of rest is beneficial for your child to do their
best and remain injury free. Children should have at least one or two days off
from sports each week. Off seasons are important as well. Ten consecutive weeks
of rest from any one sport every year is recommended. However, playing
different sports throughout the year is ok.
Working together as a community we can educate ourselves on the safety of
sports to keep our children healthy and injury free throughout their sporting
careers. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale
Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-School
Bullying October 10th
With all the pressures
children in life face today, the last thing a child needs is to dread going to
school because of a bully. Bullying is a serious topic. Being bullied can cause
emotional, physical and mental damage to a child. A victim of bullying can
become depressed, develop severe anxiety, feel extremely insecure or even
commit suicide.
A bully is defined as an individual who displays aggressive behavior,
intimidates or mistreats another person and intends to cause harm or distress
repeatedly over a period of time. Bullying comes in different forms; Physical,
verbal, emotional, sexual and technological. As parents, we need to educate
ourselves on the signs of child bullying and teach our children how to deal
with a bully. Below are list of signs that may indicate your child is a victim
of bullying.
•Sudden dislike of school
•Anxiety or fear of going to school
•Very few or no friends
•Trouble sleeping or nightmares
•Headaches or stomachaches
•Unexplained cuts, scratches, or bruises
•Damaged or torn clothing, personal property missing
If you think you child is a victim of bullying, don’t take it lightly or just
think of it as “kids being kids.” It is very important to stop the bullying as
quickly as possible.
•Talk to your child about the situation(s) when the bullying occurred.
Encourage your child to express how they were feeling when bullied ex. scared,
embarrassed, angry, etc.
•Do not criticize your child for the way they handled the situation at the time
of the bullying incident. Your child may become discouraged coming to you if
the situation occurs again.
•Reassure your child they have your support.
•Assess the situation and figure out a plan that best fits your child and the
present situation.
•Talk to your child’s teacher or guidance counselor.
•Teach your child not to retaliate against the bully. Retaliation can result in
your child being injured, punished at school or bring unwanted negative
attention.
•Do not contact the bully’s parents. Talk to school officials, local police
department or an attorney.
•Do not stop working on a solution until the bullying stops.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
school bullying. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the
Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month- Burns
and Scalds Prevention October 9th
As parents we want to
keep our children safe and secure at all times. Unfortunately we cannot be with
our children 24 hours a day. Therefore, we must teach them how to be safe when
we are not present. Every day, approximately 300 children are treated in emergency
rooms for burn-related injuries, and two children die as a result of being
burned.
Young children are more likely to sustain injuries from scald burns caused by
hot liquids or steam. Older children typically endure injuries from direct fire
flames. By following the safety tips below you can reduce your child’s odds of
being injured by burns and scalds.
•Child-proof the electrical outlets in your home. Children love to stick
objects like keys and forks into electrical sockets.
•Keep all appliance cords out of children’s reach, especially if the appliance
has the capability of producing heat. Keep a watchful eye on appliances which
produce heat. Unplug immediately after use.
•Please do not carry or hold your child while using the stove.
•Prevent scalding by setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Consider installing anti-scald devices in water faucets and showerheads.
•Microwaves heat unevenly therefore causing hotspots in food. Avoid using them
to heat baby formula and milk.
•Educate older responsible children to cook safely. Teach them to never leave
the stove or oven unattended. Instruct older children to use oven mitts or
potholders before removing items from the stove or oven.
Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves and our children on
burn and scald prevention to reduce the risk of injury or death. If you have
any questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at
661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org
Child Safety Month-Swimming
Safety for Children October 8th
In the summer, between
the months of May and August, and most commonly on the weekends, two-thirds of
all drowning deaths occur. Although the summer months have passed the potential
for a child to be injured or drown near bodies of water is always a possibility.
Educating yourself and your child about swimming safety can reduce the
possibility of injuries or death when around bodies of water.
•When in or around open bodies of water actively supervise your children by
giving them your undivided attention. It only takes seconds for a child to fall
in water and less than two minutes after their head goes under water to drown.
•When children are swimming and several adults are present, designate an adult
to supervise the children swimming for a certain amount of time, this will
prevent lapses in supervision. Hiring a lifeguard is a great alternative when
having a pool party and children are present.
•If your child is learning to swim make sure they are wearing a flotation
device which is Coast Guard approved.
•Gates around a pool is a must!!! Gates are to keep children out of the pool
area when there is no adult or lifeguard present. Teach your children to NEVER
go through any pool gates when they are closed.
•Have your child swim at a depth that is safe for them. Beginner swimmers
should stay in the shallow end.
•Always obey all pool rules.
•Do not dive in shallow waters or in waters you are unable to tell the depth.
•Learn CPR. It will give you great piece of mind. Local hospitals, fire
departments and the American Red cross offer CPR training.
Working together as a community we can educate ourselves and our children on
the safety of Swimming. For further information on swimming safety tips go to www.kidshealth.org. If you have any
questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400
or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child Safety Month-Battery
Hazards for Children October 7th
Anyone with young
children knows how much they love to explore by putting things in their mouth.
Children love to play with cell phones, remote controls, watches and key fobs,
etc. as well as take them apart. By taking these devices apart, it becomes extremely
dangerous by exposing the button battery inside.
More than 2,800 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms after
swallowing button batteries. The number of serious injuries and death, as a
result of button batteries has severely increased over the last ten years. This
increase would be due to the fact that all the electronic devices in our
households keep getting smaller and smaller. Below is a list of safety tips
which can reduce the possibility of injuries or even death.
•Keep button battery controlled devices out of sight and reach of children.
Many household devices include (but are not limited to) remote controls,
watches, hearing aids, singing greeting cards, digital scales, thermometers,
children’s toys, calculators, t-light candles, key fobs, flashing holiday
jewelry and decorations.
•Place a piece of duct tape over the controller to prevent small children from
opening the device and exposing the battery. Keep loose batteries locked away.
•If you suspect your child has ingested a battery, go to the hospital
immediately. When a child swallows a button battery, the saliva triggers and
electrical current. In as little as two hours of swallowing a battery a
chemical reaction can cause severe burns in the esophagus. Do not induce vomiting
or have your child eat or drink anything until evaluated by a medical
professional.
•Enter the National Battery Ingestion Hotline (202-625-333) into your phone.
Sharing this information with family, friends, caregiver and sitters could save
a life.
Working together as a community we can educate ourselves and our children on
battery hazards to reduce the risk of injury or death. If you have any
questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400
or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child
Safety Month-Gun Safety October 6th
More
than 44 million Americans own firearms. Whether you collect guns as a hobby or
use them for protection, guns can be found everywhere. If you decide to avoid
firearms completely your child still has the potential to encounter a weapon at
a friend’s house or on the street. If you chose to own a firearm educating your
child on the potential dangers is imperative. Whatever your decision is,
educating your child on gun safety can prevent them from being involved in an
accident.
•First and foremost children should realize guns are deadly. If you do keep a
gun in the house, it is vital to keep it out of your child’s sight and out of
their reach. Guns should be kept in a gun safe locked and unloaded, and the
ammunition should be stored separately.
•Educate your child to follow these rules if they should come in contact with a
gun:
-Stop all activities
-Do not touch the gun
-Leave the gun and the area immediately
-Tell an adult right away or notify the police
•Allowing your child to play with a toy gun is a personal decision. It is also
a personal decision on how you respond to your child “pretend shooting” during
their course of play. Remember, even if you don’t allow your child to play with
a toy gun, their friends may have them. So explain to your child that real
guns, unlike toy guns or those shown on TV, in movies, or in video games can
seriously injury or even kill a person.
•It is very important for a child to leave the area to avoid harm by someone
who doesn’t know not to touch the gun. A child as young as three has the finger
strength to pull the trigger. It is also important for children to tell an
adult about the gun that has been found.
•If your child finds a gun and you are unsure what to do call your local police
or sheriff station immediately.
Working together as a community we can educate ourselves and our children on
gun safety to reduce the risk of injury or death. If you have any questions or
concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email
Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child
Safety Month-Pedestrian Safety October 5th
Pedestrian
injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related death in the United
States for children ages 5 to 19. Whether your child is walking to school, to a
friend’s house, or to the park, here are a few simple tips to make sure your
child arrives at their destination safely.
Talking and educating your children on how to be safe while walking is crucial.
Sidewalks or designated pedestrian paths are always the best option when
walking. Using crosswalks, traffic signals and teaching children only cross at
street corners can minimize the risk of potential injury.
Be a good example. Not using your cell phone or any other electronic device
when driving or walking near traffic will teach your child not to do the same.
Teach your child at an early age to put down their electronic devices and look
left, right and left again when crossing the street.
Remind your child to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
By doing this the child and driver have acknowledged each other. Remind your
child while crossing the street to remain aware of his/her surroundings.
Young children should not cross the street without adult supervision. It can be
difficult for children 10 and under to judge distance and speed of vehicles.
Working together as a community we can educate ourselves and our children on
Pedestrian safety to reduce the risk of injury. If you have any questions or
concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email
Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child
Safety Month-Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips October 4th
Carbon
monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and highly poisonous gas. Children are
especially vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide because of the way
their smaller bodies process carbon monoxide. Each year, approximately 180
children die due to carbon monoxide poisoning and more than 20,000 children
will visit the emergency room. By following these safety tips you can reduce
your family’s odds of being injured by carbon monoxide.
•Make sure your home has a carbon monoxide alarm! Smoke alarms and carbon
monoxide alarms are crucial inside a home. These alarms are not substitutes for
each other. However, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are
available. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of your
home, especially near bedrooms or areas where one may sleep. Keep the carbon
monoxide alarm at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
•The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning increases in the winter months and
during hurricane season due to individuals using fuel-powered devises more
frequently. Regardless of the season or month, do not use a grill, generator or
camping stove inside your home or garage.
•If you need to warm your vehicle, remove the vehicle from the garage
immediately after starting it. Never leave your vehicle running in a garage,
even if the garage door is open. If you own a boat, install an alarm on your
boat. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in or around the vessel.
•If the alarm sounds, immediately move outdoors. Call 911 or the fire
department.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like additional information
regarding the dangers of Carbon Monoxide please visit www.usfa.fema.gov.
Child
Safety Month-Proper installation and use of a child safety seat October
3rd
Child
safety seats are such a vital piece of equipment to keep your child safe
throughout the beginning years of their life. Every year, thousands of children
are injured or killed by safety seats that are improperly fastened. By
educating ourselves on how to properly install and use a child safety seat we
can reduce the possibility of injuries in the event of a traffic collision.
•The child safety seat should be based off your child’s height, weight and age.
Make sure you read the instructions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
completely; every child safety seat is different. If you are in a hurry and do
not have the time to place the child safety seat in your vehicle properly, keep
in mind what is at stake. The safety of your child is certainly worth the extra
few moments it takes to place the seat properly, and secure your child safely.
•Once the child safety seat is properly installed in your vehicle give it a
good pull at the base and see if you can move it. If you are able to move the
seat more than one inch front to back or side to side, it is not secure enough.
•With your child seated in the seat, and the harness tightly buckled, the chest
clip should be at armpit level. If it is not, adjust it up or down to get the
positioning correct. Next, try to pinch the shoulder straps. If you can do
this, the straps are not snug enough. Take some of the slack out of the straps
and try it again.
•For rear facing seats, use the seat belt or lower anchors if equipped, to lock
the seat in place. If you are using a forward facing seat, use the seat belt,
or lower anchors if equipped, to lock the seat in place. It is not necessary to
use both the seat belt and lower anchors if equipped. Pick whichever one is
more to your liking as they are both equally safe.
•Know when it is time to move from one type of child safety seat to another. If
your child exceeds the height or weight limit, or the child’s shoulders are now
higher than the belt slots in the current seat, it is time to move to the next
level, or possibly to a booster seat. Do not move out of a child safety seat to
a booster seat until they have out grown the larger child seat. The child
safety seat affords the most protection for the child until they reach the
height, weight and age limits for a booster seat.
California State Law (Effective 01-01-12)
•Children under the age of 8 must be secure in a car seat or booster in the
back seat.
•Children under the age of 8 who are 4’9” or taller may be secured by a safety
belt in the back seat.
•Children who are 8 years and over shall be properly secured in an appropriate
child passenger restraint system or safety belt.
•Passengers who are 16 year of age and over are subject to California’s
Mandatory Seat Belt law.
If you are still unsure on how to install a child safety seat please contact
your local CHP office where you can set up an appointment for a lesson or check
out their web-site at www.chp.ca.gov. If you have any other questions or
concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email
Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Child
Safety Month-Skateboarding October 2nd
Many
children love to skateboard and are good at it! However, no matter how good
your child is and what skill level they are, there is always potential for
injury. Over 82,000 individuals are treated in hospital emergency rooms for
skateboard-related injuries each year. It is extremely important to educate
yourself and your children on wearing the proper safety equipment so every
skateboarding experience can be a fun and injury-free!
•Helmets are a must!! Every skater should be wearing a helmet. Be sure the
helmet is designed for skateboarding, not another sport. Look for a skateboard
helmet which is certified and has met the ASTM F1492 federal standard for
safety. This will be designated with a sticker inside of the helmet and should
read “ASTM F1492 Skateboard Helmet”. The helmet should be equipped with a
strong strap and be securely fastened at all times. Skateboarding injuries can
range from mild to life-threatening. Many skateboarders have been killed due to
head injuries.
•Wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads are recommended for all skateboarders,
especially for beginners. The pads should be made of a hard plastic or nylon
type material with padding inside. The pads should not restrict movement of the
elbows or knees and the straps should not be so tight it restricts blood
circulation. The pads should be snug enough to stay in place in the event of a
fall.
•Skateboarding is very hard on shoes, ankles and feet. Use shoes made of
leather or suede. A vinyl or plastic shoe can be easily torn in a fall allowing
injury to the skateboarder’s feet. Make sure the sole of the shoes are in good
shape and are softer rubber to provide less chance for slips and falls.
•Use a board designed for what you are doing. Do not use a homemade board of
poor construction or design. It is best to purchase a well-designed board meant
for skateboarding. Frequently check the board for defects. Look for cracks and
sharp edges in the board. Check for free rolling wheels and excessive movement
in wheel mountings.
•Serious skateboarding injuries can occur when you lose control and run into
motor vehicles, pedestrians, other skateboarders, bicyclists or other objects.
You can lessen the possibility of injury if you use protective gear, keep your
skateboard in good shape, skate in designated areas and do not attempt tricks
or stunts above your current skill level.
Working together as a community we can educate ourselves and our children on
the safety of Skateboarding. If you have any questions or concerns, please call
the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.
Walking
to School October 1st
As
parents all we want is what is best for our children, especially when it comes
to their health and safety. Whether it is ensuring your child gets to school
safely, keeping your child safe on the internet or how to teach your child to
call 911, the Palmdale Sheriff Station can help!
The Palmdale Sheriff Station has designated October as Child Safety month. For
the next 31 days, the Palmdale Sheriff Station will release information to the
community about important topics to help ensure children’s safety.
Now that the summer is over and children are back in school it is important to
teach your children safety tips, especially if they walk to school. There are
many things you can do to help protect your children when walking to and from
school.
•Discuss a plan. Determine the safest route for your child to use on their
walk. Look at things like traffic volume, speed limits, the availability of
sidewalks, lighting and available crossing guards.
•Once you determine a route, walk the route with your child and discuss any
hazards as you walk. Teach them how traffic signals work and educate them when
the proper time to cross at an intersection which is designated by signals.
•Explain to your child the importance of looking both ways twice, and listening
to your surrounding before crossing the street. Remind them to continue to
watch for cars even when they are crossing the street.
•Educate your children on the importance of using a crosswalk (preferably with
crossing guards) and the dangers of crossing mid-block.
•Encourage or insist your child walk with a group of other children. Set up a
group of parents who can alternate walking with the children. Warn them about
the dangers of accepting rides from people they do not know.
•Tell your child to avoid taking “shortcuts” and stay on the route you have
chosen for them.
•Have a family member or a trusted friend your child can go to in the event of
an emergency.
Working together as a community we can educate ourselves and our children on
the safety of walking to school. If you have any questions or concerns, please
call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at
jewolfe@lasd.org.
Prepared by Deputy Jodi Wolfe
Address/Location
LASD - Palmdale Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff
750 E Avenue Q
Palmdale, CA 93550
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 661-272-2400