Back to School Safety Tips

Back-to-School Safety Tips: Ensuring Your Child's Well-being.

The crew at KPRC 2 joined Gail Gould at Westminster Weekday Schools in Houston ahead of the 2023 school year to see first-hand how they're making a difference in school safety.

During her appearance on the morning show, Gail demonstrated proper CPR techniques for teachers, staff and administrators so they're better prepared to help keep kids safe while they embark on their educational journey.

Training like this is vital because immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival. The American Heart Association estimates around 100,000-200,000 lives each year could be saved if more sudden cardiac arrest victims received immediate CPR and early defibrillation.

Of course, safety doesn't end here. From food allergies to choking hazards, here are some ways parents can also help make this school year a safe and successful one for our kids.

Food Allergies - Keeping Your Child Safe:

Food allergies can pose significant risks to children, especially in a school environment. If your child has a life-threatening food allergy, it's crucial to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. One of the most important measures is to make sure that their school nurse or teacher has their trusty Epinephrine pen (Epi-Pen) readily available at all times. This life-saving device can provide immediate treatment in case of an allergic reaction. Remember to regularly check the pen's expiration date and replace it annually to ensure its effectiveness.

For older students, it may be worth considering consulting with their pediatrician about the possibility of them carrying their own epinephrine pen, provided they fulfill the necessary requirements and are responsible enough to handle it. This can empower them to take control of their own health and be prepared in case of an emergency.

However, even if your child is capable of carrying their own pen, it is still advisable to have an extra pen stored with the school nurse or teacher. This ensures that there is always a backup available in case the student forgets or misplaces their pen.

By taking these precautions and being proactive, you can help create a safer environment for children with food allergies and provide them with the necessary tools to manage potential allergic reactions.

Hoodie Safety - Avoiding Accidents:

When children head out to play, it's crucial to pay attention to the clothing they wear to minimize safety hazards. One particular concern is hoodies or sweatshirts with drawstrings, which can unintentionally become entangled in playground equipment, potentially resulting in dangerous strangulation accidents.

To ensure the well-being of your little ones during playtime, it is highly recommended to avoid clothing with drawstrings altogether. By taking this precautionary measure, you can provide a safer environment for your children to enjoy their playtime without any unnecessary risks.

CPR and AED Awareness - A Lifesaving Team:

Being aware of CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) trained individuals in your child's school can provide an invaluable sense of peace and security. These trained individuals, acting as a cohesive team of heroes, are always prepared to spring into action during emergencies. By inquiring with the school nurse or principal, you can easily identify those who possess CPR and AED training, ensuring that your child's school is equipped with the necessary resources to handle any cardiac-related incidents.

It's important to note that heart issues can affect students of any age, and having individuals who are trained in CPR and AED can make a significant difference in saving lives. Let's take a moment to learn more about an incredibly heartwarming story from a Houston mom, where the collaboration between a teacher and nurse, armed with an AED, played a pivotal role in saving the day and highlighting the importance of CPR and AED training in schools.

Choking Hazard Prevention - Safeguarding Young Ones:

For parents with children under the age of four, it is crucial to exercise extra caution when packing snacks. To ensure their safety, it is advisable to avoid providing whole hot dogs, whole grapes, popcorn, hard vegetables, and fruits that may pose choking hazards. Instead, consider cutting hot dogs lengthwise into small, manageable pieces and grapes into halves. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of choking incidents and ensure the well-being of your little ones.

Child Car Seat Safety - Buckle Up for Protection:

When it comes to the safety of young children riding in car seats, recent statistics highlight the importance of ensuring proper and secure placement. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 46% of car seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness. It is crucial to avoid relying solely on daycare or nursery school staff to handle the task, as they may not be familiar with the specific model of your car seat. By personally taking charge and ensuring the correct and secure placement of your child, you can have peace of mind knowing that their safety during travel is well taken care of.

Safety Starts with You!

By following these back-to-school safety tips, you can help create a secure and protected environment for your child. Remember, each school and child is unique, and it is advisable to consult with your child's school and healthcare professionals to tailor safety measures according to their specific needs and circumstances.

For more valuable childhood emergency prevention tips and insights, connect with me on Instagram at @thecprandsafetylady