February e-news

Welcome to the February edition of Kidsafe’s e-news. An extra warm welcome goes out to all our new followers from the Pregnancy and Newborn Expo. It was great to meet so many new and expectant parents and grandparents. We hope that we can provide you with some useful information on how to keep the little ones safe. To keep up to date with Kidsafe Vic, make sure you also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

In this month’s e-news we have some information on driveway safety, portable cot safety and some recent product recalls. You can also read about how Moonee Valley Council has partnered with Kidsafe Victoria to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars.

City of Moonee Valley joins Kidsafe Victoria in ‘Do Not Leave Children in Cars’ Campaign

It was a scorching 36 degrees last week when Moonee Valley City Council and Kidsafe Victoria launched their joint campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars.

Ambulance Victoria have already responded to more than 200 incidents where a child had been locked inside a car this year.

Temperatures inside a parked car can be 20-30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature, with most of this temperature rise occurring in the first few minutes of turning off the car. This places children who have been left inside parked vehicles at risk of becoming dehydrated and suffering heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Moonee Valley City Council has partnered with Kidsafe Victoria to place ‘Do Not Leave Children in Cars’ signs in carparks throughout the municipality and run an extensive communications campaign, in order to raise awareness amongst the local community.

Mayor of Moonee Valley, Cr Sharpe said the council were proud to join the campaign and hoped that the signs would provide a deterrent for parents and carers who may be considering leaving their child in the car while they complete a quick errand.

To learn more about the campaign, or to order a signs for your council or workplace, please visit http://kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/hot-cars/do-not-leave-children-in-cars-campaign.

Back to School Driveway Safety

On January 28, The Minister for Families and Children, the Hon. Jenny Mikakos joined Kidsafe Victoria to launch the 2015 Return to School Safe Driveway Program.

The return to school means lots of activity around driveways, car parks and roads. This is also a time for increased vigilance when it comes to children and driveways.

Facts about driveway run overs:

• On average, 7 children aged 0-14 years are killed every year due to driveway run over incidents in Australia, with a further 60 being seriously injured.
• A large number of driveway run over incidents occur in the morning and late afternoon during busy drop off and pick up times
• The driver is usually a parent, relative, or family friend and in the majority of cases, they didn’t know that the child was close to the vehicle- they think that they are being looked after elsewhere.

The campaign is complimented by a driveway safety video, featuring radio personality Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald and his son, Hewie.

To keep children safe around driveways, always Supervise, Separate and See.

For more information on driveway safety and to watch the video, please visit http://kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/driveway-safety

Portable Cot Safety

Portable cots can be handy when travelling, or visiting family and friends. However, there are a number of things to look out for when using a portable cot to ensure that it is safe for your baby.

•  Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when assembling and using the cot. Make sure that the sides and ends of the cot are fully locked in when the cot is being used.
•  Only use the mattress that is supplied with the cot/designed to be used with the cot and never add any additional mattresses, pieces of foam or padding. This mattress may look too firm and uncomfortable, however children require a firm surface for a safe sleeping environment.
• Never place any extra bedding or soft toys in the cot, as these can pose a suffocation hazard for babies.
• Be careful if using a second-hand portable cot, or buying one online. Make sure that all parts are in proper working order and that there are no tears in the mesh. Also check that the cot meets the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2195:2010.
• Place the cot away from potential hazards such as curtain and blind cords.

For more information on safe sleeping for babies, please visit http://kidsafevic.com.au/home-safety/safe-sleeping

Product Recalls

Myer Pty Ltd—Sprout Dungaree & Top Set and Sprout Stripe Tee & Overall Set

The cap on the overall buckles may come loose, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should cease using the overalls immediately and return them to any Myer store for a full refund. For more information, please visit www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1067716

Dr Grab—NanoCube Buckyballs Magnetic Desk Toys

Nanodots are a powerful magnetic cluster of metal balls that can be formed into magnetic structures. The product exceeds the maximum allowed magnetic flux index for small magnets. If swallowed, the magnetic balls could cause internal injuries or even death. Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return to Pandacheer Pty Ltd. For more information, contact Pandacheer via support@pandacheer.com