February e-news

Welcome to the February edition of Kidsafe Victoria’s e-news. This month we are bringing you some tips on protecting children from snake bites and how Elmo is helping us keep kids safe around roads. We also have some information on how you can get involved in some research with Kidsafe, as well as the details of the upcoming Pregnancy Babies and Children Expo.

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Happy reading and stay safe.

Keeping kids safe around roads with Elmo

Road and pedestrian related incidents are one of the largest causes of death for children under 14. Teaching children road safety skills from a young age is one of the many ways that we can reduce the risk of these injuries.

With the help of Elmo from Sesame Street, we have made learning about pedestrian safety fun!

Elmo Stays Safe is a free iPad App that takes Elmo on a trip to the park with his mum. There are a range of interactive activities for children to do, including buckling Elmo into the car and making sure it is safe for Elmo and his Mum to cross the road.

If you don’t have an iPad, don’t worry! Elmo Stays Safe is also available as an e-book.

To find out more and to download the e-book or App, please visit http://kidsafevic.com.au/resources/sesame

ISOFIX child restraint focus group – $80 fro participation

Kidsafe Victoria is seeking parents to take part in a focus group about ISOFIX compatible child restraints. The focus group will run for an hour and a half and will involve discussing experiences with ISOFIX compatible child restraints.

When: Thursday the 10^th March, 10:00am – 11:30am

Where: Lazy Bean Café, Corner of Mason Street and South Crescent, Northcote.

Who: We are looking for 8 parents of children aged 0-4 years, with an even mix between people who use an ISOFIX compatible restraint and people who do not use ISOFIX.

To register to participate in the focus group, please contact bree@kidsafevic.com.au with the following information:

1. Your name and phone number
2. Ages of children
3. Your usual occupation and
4. Your suburb.

Participants will be paid $80 cash for their time.

Snake Bites

Emergency services in NSW have issued a snake bite warning, following the death of a 6 year old girl who was bitten by a brown snake last week.

Venomous snakes such as brown snakes are also common in Victoria.

If you are visiting, or live in an area where snakes are common, the Victorian Poisons Information Centre has the following tips for avoiding snake bites:

–          Leave snakes alone

–          Wear adequate clothing and stout shoes (not sandals or thongs)

–          Never put your hands in logs or thick grass without prior inspection

–          Keep grass well cut

While not all snake bites cause illness, it is important to treat all bites as dangerous. If you, or your child receives a snake bite, call 000 immediately.

It is important to stay calm, because movement can encourage the flow of venom through the body.

Do not wash the snake bite, as traces of venom left on the skin can be tested to identify the snake group and the anti-venom that is needed.

For more information on snake bite prevention and treatment, please visit the Austin Health website.

Countdown to the Pregnancy and Newborn Expo

The Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Special Edition Expo is on this weekend.

Kidsafe will be there to answer any of your child safety questions, as well as handing out some free safety resources.

Head to the website now to get your hands on your free ticket and save $20. We’d love to see you there!

When: Sat 27 and Sun 28 February, 10am – 5pm

Where: The Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf

Expo Information and free tickets: http://www.pbcexpo.com.au/melbourne-special/

Product Recalls

BIG W—Tinkers Wooden Garage Toy

Winding the elevator may cause it to detach, exposing a sharp screw that could pose a laceration hazard to infants. The toy garage should be returned to any Big W store for a full refund. 

For more information please visit https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1082146

Vicinity Centres—7060 Night Lights – Cat, Sheep, Whale & Wombat (Night Lights)

These night lights were given out as a free gift at Vicinity Centres prior to Christmas. Young children may be able to access the button batteries inside the light. If ingested, these batteries can cause serious internal burn injuries. The night lights should either be returned to Vicinity Centre Management or safely disposed of. 

For more information please visit https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1082529