by California Casualty | Safety |
With kids home from the summertime, chances are they’ll be spending more time on family computers.
As kids spend more time online, the question of how to keep them safe is paramount.
There is a federal law in place, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), to help keep kids safe online. It requires websites to explain privacy policies, get parental consent before collecting or using a child’s personal info, and prohibits requiring a child to provide more personal information than necessary to play a game or enter a contest.
But even with this law, a child’s best protection online is you.
Here are some tips for keeping them safe:
- Talk with your kids! Make sure they are comfortable talking with you about their internet use from the start. Talk about internet safety, rules, ways to stay safe, and when to alert you about something that happens online.
- Set up some basic rules. Examples may include: never trade any photographs, emails, or personal information including name, address, school name, or location; Use only a screen name (with no full names or birthdays); Never agree to meet any person from online in person; Never respond to threatening messages- instead tell a parent; Tell a parent or adult about any scary or uncomfortable exchanges.
- Become computer literate: Learn how to block objectionable material, check internet history, and monitor your child’s internet use
- Talk with your child about cyberbulling! Make sure they know to never respond to cyberbullies, to alert you of any cyberbullying, and to not participate in any cyberbullying themselves (for more information and resources, click here)
- Keep the computer in a common area. This way, your child can use the internet while you’re around to keep an eye on their activity
- Share an email address so you know who your child is communicating with online
- Bookmark their favorite sites and teach them how to find them there. This minimizes time spent ‘surfing’ the entire Internet and minimizes the chances of children accidently finding themselves on the wrong page
- Spend time together online and show by example how to safely and appropriately use the internet
- Teach kids not to click on ads or download anything from the internet without permission. Make sure your computer is protected against spyware and viruses.
- If your child is on social media, teach them how to do so safely. Keep an eye on who their ‘friends’ are so you know who has access to their profiles, teach them how to use all the privacy settings available and make sure they are not posting any personal information online.
- Monitor your credit cards and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges
- Find out what online protection is in place at day cares, friends’ homes, or anywhere else your child may be accessing the internet
- Remember that Internet technology is mobile. Make sure to monitor cell phones, gaming devices and lap tops.
- Take your child seriously if he or she reports any threatening, suspicious or uncomfortable online exchange
- Forward copies of these exchanges to your internet service provider or call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (800-843-5678) if you are aware or become aware of any suspicious or inappropriate online materials targeting or depicting children. Contact the FBI or local law enforcement if your child is ever targeted or threatened online.
- Be aware of warning signs such as: your child turning off the computer suddenly when you enter the room, withdrawal from family life, reluctancy to talk about online activity, long hours online- especially at night, phone calls from strangers or unsolicited gifts in the mail.
Sources and more information:
Kid’s Health Website
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has great resources on their website, including tip sheets and internet safety pledges for different ages.
FBI’s ‘Parent Guide to Internet Safety’
Tips from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service
Tips from the National Crime Prevention Council
by California Casualty | Safety |
It’s almost here!
The 4th of July is TOMORROW!
BBQs, Fireworks, a day off in the middle of the week… what’s not to love?
As you get ready to celebrate, please do so carefully.
With a heat wave plaguing much of the country and wildfires devastating communities in multiple states, the risk of unintentionally setting fires (and the cost of doing so) is extremely high. Please keep in mind that firefighters risk their lives fighting fires- respect them by helping prevent fires in the first place!
Don’t let fireworks or carelessness ruin your holiday.
Before you light anything tomorrow, check your local government web site for ANY burn bans. If there is a burn ban in your area, there is a reason.
If fireworks are allowed where you live, refresh yourself on some basic firework safety.
For specific safety tips, here are a few good resources:
On another note…
Does your dog look like this on the 4th…?
Here are some tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on how to keep your pet safe and comfortable- from the BBQ to the fireworks.
More on how to keep pets calm during Fireworks? Here’s a cool infographic (we loveee infographics around here)…
Grilling tomorrow?
Here’s anotherrrrr infographic on food safety.
Because who doesn’t love getting 21st century safety tips from the Founding Fathers (and the USDA)? Don’t miss these tips (…or Benjamin Franklin in an apron).
Have a Happy and SAFE 4th of July!
by California Casualty | Firefighters |
With the death of 19 Prescott Firefighters in the Yarnell Hill wildfire, yesterday marked the most deadly day for US Firefighters since September 11, 2001. Today, our thoughts are with the Prescott families, friends and community. We salute the brave and heroic actions of these Arizona firefighters and all firefighters- the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to protect our lives, homes and property. Please take just a moment today to recognize their bravery and sacrifice. Rest in Peace.
Prescott Firefighters
We will update this page with information about how to help the Prescott families and community as soon as it becomes available.
by California Casualty | Peace Officers |
The Black Forest Fire was the most destructive fire in Colorado history.
500 homes, 2 lives, and countless possessions were lost in the blaze. A lot of those possessions can be replaced, but some have value that goes much deeper.
In 2006, Officer Jared Jensen with the Colorado Springs Police Department was killed in the line of duty. After his murder, Officer Jensen’s brother and nephew attended the Law Enforcement Memorial in DC where they met officers from across the country. At the event, Officer Jensen’s nephew received patches from the officers he met and decided to start collecting as many patches as he could. His collection was burned in the Black Forest Fire last week.
Let’s replace the collection with an even bigger one.
You can help by sending department patches to:
Adam Romine
Colorado Springs Police Dept.
415 E. Pikes Peak Ave, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
More information can be found here and here!
by California Casualty | Educators |
Remembering those who have given their all for their profession is the tribute that lasts forever.
Last Friday, I had the honor of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Teachers Hall of Fame’s Memorial to Fallen Educators.
As I walked amongst the crowd at the groundbreaking, I kept hearing the word ‘bittersweet.’ And that’s exactly what it was. Bitter that such an occasion, that such a memorial, is even necessary. Bitter that teachers who dedicated their lives to improving the lives of their students died doing what they love- a job they probably never guessed would put their lives on the line. But there was sweetness there, too. Sweetness that they weren’t forgotten. Sweetness that all these people, people who had never met any of the victims, came out to pay their respects- some of them driving hours to see the symbolic groundbreaking.
Tragedies like Sandy Hook and Columbine bring worthy attention to the brave sacrifices of teachers on behalf of their students, but those teachers are not alone. American educators have been losing their lives in school tragedies since 1853. Every single one deserves to be remembered, to be honored, and to be recognized for their dedication and their bravery.
The actions of the six educators at Sandy Hook show us something about teachers as people. Talk to any educator and they will tell you that they too would do whatever it took-make any sacrifice- to shield their students from harm. For educators, their students aren’t just ‘students’ and teaching isn’t just a job. It’s bigger than that. For every educator I know, their students are their family and their job is a calling.
The Memorial to Fallen Educators is a way for all of us to honor every single teacher who lost their life at work. It also serves as a reminder of what every single teacher is willing to do for their students. It was truly an honor to stand amongst the crowd and witness this bittersweet moment in history.
