Welcome to the March edition of Kidsafe Victoria’s 2019 e-news. This edition includes information on the Victorian Government’s Never Leave Kids in Cars campaign, our online store where you can purchase a range of safety products, a reminder to set your backyard pool defence as we approach the start of the AFL season, as well as an overview of the recent  Pregnancy, Babies and Children Expo. You’ll also find some information about our play safe play hub and the latest product recalls. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for regular safety tips and updates – happy reading and stay safe!

Victorian Government’s Never Leave Kids in Cars Campaign

Between 1st September 2017 and 31st August 2018, Ambulance Victoria responded to 1587 callouts for people locked in cars across Victoria, with the vast majority being cases involving toddlers and babies.

Kidsafe Victoria is proudly supporting the Victorian Government’s ‘Never Leave Kids in Cars’ campaign. The campaign, which features Samantha Gash (endurance athlete and corporate speaker) and Mark Wales (former special ops commander), provides an important reminder about the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars and prompts parents to take their kids with them whenever they get out of the car, to avoid potentially tragic consequences.

To view the campaign videos and access resources including a poster and DL flyer, please visit https://www.kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/hot-cars/victorian-government-never-leave-kids-in-cars-campaign.

Have you seen our Safe Play Hub?

Play is an important part of childhood – it helps children to develop physical strength, coordination and balance. Appropriate play can also provide children with opportunities to learn and develop social skills, imagination, creativity and problem solving skills. The Safe Play Hub in our Community Support Centre  at the Monash Children’s Hospital has everything you need to know about safe play for children! The hub contains information and resources on trampolines, wheeled devices like bikes and scooters, safe play areas, playground equipment, poisonous plants and pet safety. There’s even a dress up station for the kids! The Safe Play Hub is proudly supported by our friends at Tiny Hearts!

Is Your Home Pool Defence Ready for the AFL Season?

As we enter into the start of another AFL season, now is the perfect time for a reminder about the importance of a strong defence – even though summer is over, it’s never too late to plan and set your backyard pool defence!

Along with a pool barrier that is in proper working order, a good defence should include active adult supervision, water familiarisation and first aid knowledge to help keep everyone safe this season.

To find out more about how you can help to keep kids safe in and around water, please check out our ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign via www.kidsafevic.com.au/water-safety/pool-fence-safety. The campaign is proudly supported by SPASA Victoria, Safetech Hardware, Protector Aluminium and Pool Check.

Kidsafe Victoria Online Store

Did you know that we have a range of products for sale on our online store? Some of the products available include Micky Ha Ha Power Point Safety Covers, Finger-Saver Door Jamb Protectors, Resus-a-station – CPR charts, ‘Do Not Leave Children Unattended in Cars’ Car Park Signs and many more. So check out our online store today!

Pregnancy, Babies and Children Expo

Last month we spent a very busy weekend at the Pregnancy Babies and Children’s Expo at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. We had a great time speaking with thousands of new and expectant parents and grandparents, answering questions and handing out our free child safety resources.

We are looking forward to the next expo coming up later this year from 19th – 21st October!

Product Recalls

Kmart Australia Ltd — Anko Wooden Shape Sorting House

This product does not comply with the mandatory standard. The screws in the handle of the box could become loose and fall out if the product is dropped. Small screws could become an ingestion and/or choking hazard. Customers should stop using their product immediately and return it to any Kmart store for a full refund. For further information, please click here

BIG W — SmarTrike

These SmarTrike products have some of the features of a stroller, but are unsafe for use as a stroller as they do not have a parking brake, tether strap, or relevant warnings as required by the mandatory standard. The product may cause injury to a child if the product rolls in an uncontrolled manner or if the child falls out of the product. Consumers should not use the product as a stroller to transport children. Consumers can return the product to any BIG W store for a full refund. A receipt is not required. For further information, please click here.

Pokemon and Paw Patrol shaped battery-powered walking toy

The battery cover may not be adequately secured, which could allow access to the internal AAA batteries if the cover becomes detached. Children may gain access to the AAA batteries, which are small parts, presenting a potential choking hazard. Consumers should stop using this product immediately and safely dispose of them. For further information, please click here.