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.
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:
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).
Brush off your barbecue grills, stock up on popsicles, and get yourself a new swimsuit because…
Summer has officially arrived!
After a winter with too many snows and a Spring with too much rain, I am ready for summer. If your neighborhood is anything like mine, then the arrival of summer means:
Pool Season!
In the excitement of summer, it’s tempting to throw on a suit and jump on in…
but wait!
For most of us, it’s been about a year since we dipped our toes in the water. Before you and your family cannonball in, make sure you review these Pool Safety Tips to be sure you enjoy your summer safely!
Did you know: A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a telephone. More than 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year.
Swim Safety Basics:
Swim only in designated areas
Make sure alifeguard or responsible adult trained in CPR and first aid is present and attentive at all times
A child who is drowning may not look like the ‘drowning’ we see in TV and movies. Before you swim with a child, please read this article about what drowning looks like and how to spot it. Read it by clicking here.
Maintain constant eye-to-eye supervision with children in and around the swimming pool
Stay in arm’s reach of young kids
Establish and enforce clear pool safety rules (ex: No diving, Stay away from drains, no running, etc.) Post these rules where everyone using the pool can read them
Never leave a young child unattended in or near water
Do not trust a child’s life to another child
Teach children to ask permission before going near water
Issue the adult supervisor an item such as a whistle, bracelet, etc. to reinforce which adult is in charge of the safety of the children
Make sure young or inexperienced swimmers are wearing US Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Floaties or other inflatable flotation devices are not life jackets and should never be substituted for adult supervision.
Avoid distractions when supervising children around water. Remove children from the swimming pool for any distraction such as a telephone call, use of restroom, etc.
If a child is missing, check the water first– every second counts!
Never permit any person to swim alone
Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit, within a reachable distance- not inside!
Know how and when to call 9-1-1
Keep your pool clean and clear by maintaining proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. This way, you can clearly see what is happening in the pool and minimize risks of earaches, rashes or diseases
Make sure everyone in the home knows how to respond to water emergencies by having an emergency plan in place with your children
Protect your skin! Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine
If it’s your pool:
Have a fence enclosure that isolates your pool from the home, play areas, front and side yards and the neighbor’s yard
Make sure all gates in the isolation fence are self-closing and self-latching
All chairs, tables, large toys or other objects that would allow a child to climb up to reach the gate latch or enable the child to climb over the isolation fence should be removed or kept inside the fenced area
A recent study showed that a huge majority of people believe texting and driving is highly dangerous – and the number of accidents that result from it back that up. So why, do you think, people still do it?
Be alert. Pay attention to the weather outside (until you need to take cover- then stay away from the windows!). These are danger signs:
Dark, greenish sky
Large hail
Large, dark, low-lying clouds (especially if they are rotating)
Loud roar similar to a train
If you see any of these signs- take shelter immediately.
Pay attention to the news. Know the guidelines of when you should take cover.
Locate and mark where utility switches and valves are in your home so they can be turned off in an emergency if time allows
Charge your mobile phone, laptop and other mobile device batteries
Brush up on your watches and warning terms. That way, you’ll understand the risk and can better make safety and evacuation decisions
Severe thunderstorm watch: Conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms in and around the watch area. These storms produce hail of ¾ inch in diameter and/or wind gusts of at least 58 mph.
Severe thunderstorm warning: Issued when a severe thunderstorm has been observed by spotters or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area. These warnings usually last for a period of 30 to 60 minutes.
Tornado watch: Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes in and around the watch area. People in the affected areas are encouraged to be vigilant in preparation for severe weather.
Tornado warning: Spotters have sighted a tornado or one has been indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area. When a tornado warning has been issued, people in the affected area are strongly encouraged to take cover immediately.
Review what to do DURING a tornado. Have a plan for different locations: at home, in the car, at an outdoor event, etc. Here is a great guide.
If you evacuate and safely have time, notify friends and/or family members who are unaffected by the storm of where you’re going and why.
Photograph your valuables and store them in a fire and waterproof safe. Also use the safe to store important documents such as birth certificates, ownership documentation for cars and boats, Social Security cards, insurance policies and wills.
Check your homeowner’s insurance to confirm your coverage in case your home is damaged or destroyed. Tornadoes can be accompanied by heavy rains and flooding, which most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover. Here’s some information on California Casualty’s coverage.
Whew. Here in Kansas City, we are preparing for our second round of serious winter storm conditions. Anywhere from 6-12 inches are expected in the next 24 hours. Similar conditions are sweeping across the Midwest. On top of large amounts of snow, this storm is bringing strong winds and a large threat of ‘white-out’ conditions. This is extremely dangerous for driving- if you end up off the road, it could be hard for authorities to spot and help you because of limited visibility and the high probability that your car’s tracks will be covered by snow.
If you live in any areas affected by this storm, please avoid ANY AND ALL unnecessary travel.
If for some reason, you must travel, please make sure you have the following items with you in your car and review these tips for how to stay safe and get help if you do become stranded…
What to have in your car:
Materials to keep you warm: Blankets, a pillow, and warm clothing. Make sure to include a hat and gloves and extra socks! It is also wise to include a waterproof layer like a raincoat.
Non-perishable food: Nuts, canned tuna, crackers, dry cereal, fruit cups, granola bars and WATER.
A flashlight: Not only can this help you see, but it can also help you send signals and be seen in white-out conditions
Extra batteries
A pair of sturdy boots: In case you do need to leave the car for any reason- plus, they are very warm and waterproof. You may need them to stomp messages in the snow
A whistle: In white-out conditions, it may be hard for authorities to see you and your car’s tracks may get covered in snow. Bring a whistle; if you can’t be seen, you can still be heard. If you can be heard, you can be rescued
An orange or red flag: This flag will come in handy to signal to authorities that there is someone in the car in need of assistance
Matches
Any prescription medicine you need: Update your emergency kit to keep it current with your most needed (and non-expired!) medications
A snow shovel
Ice scraper
Jumper cables
Extra gas
Fuses: There are several kinds- make sure you have the right ones for your car
Basic tools: including pliers, screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench. Also include electrical and duct tape.
A fire extinguisher
A knife
Road flares: Another great way to make sure you are seen in white-out conditions
What’s the best way to avoid getting stranded? Staying off the roads in the first place. If you don’t have an important reason for driving, DON’T.
What to do if you are stranded in your car:
If you have a cell phone, call for assistance and provide authorities with your location but try not to drain down the battery by using the phone for anything but contacting help!
Do not panic
Stay in the car
Use the supplies you do have conservatively
If it is daytime: place a red or orange flag on your antenna. If it is nighttime: leave your dome light on, only when the car is running
Occasionally check your tailpipe to make sure it’s free of snow. Clean the pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when the engine is running
Do some minor exercising inside the vehicle to keep up circulation
If there is more than one person in the car, take turns sleeping. If you are alone, DO NOT sleep while the engine is running!!!
When the snow stops, try stamping HELP signal in the snow beside your vehicle.
