By JENNIFER CIPRIANO, BSN, RN, CMSRN
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, going back to school looks very different this year compared to any other year. Many parents and caregivers have recently made the tough decision between sending their children back to a brick and mortar classroom, opting for a virtual learning program, or a mix of both. Whether your child is attending in-person or virtually, let’s keep safety and injury prevention a top priority in every environment.
Safety Reminders While Learning at Home
If your child is learning virtually or is homeschooled, here are some key tips to help keep your child safe while they are at home:
- IN THE KITCHEN: Teach older children how to safely cook and properly use kitchen appliances. Remind them to stay in the kitchen the entire time they are cooking. Remind them to wear oven mitts anytime they are carrying a pot or a pan. If they are using the microwave, remind them microwave dishes can be hot too and to handle with an oven mitt or potholder. Teach them to open containers and lids with hot food slowly to avoid burns from steam.
- ACCIDENTAL POISONINGS: Store cleaning products and medications safely to prevent poisonings. Keep all cleaning products and medications in their original containers. Securely store them out of children’s reach and sight. The Poison Control Hotline has reported an increase in the number of calls since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Keep the Poison Control Hotline number visible in the home and saved in your phone: 1.800.222.1222
- Remember water safety is important year-round in Florida. Drowning rates have dramatically increased in our area since children have been home more. Teach children to never swim alone and only swim when there is active adult supervision. If your child does not know how to swim yet, enroll them in swimming classes. More water safety information here.
For additional home safety information click here.
Safety Reminders While Traveling To and From School
If your child is attending a brick and mortar school, here are some key tips to help keep your child safe while commuting to and from school:
- If your child is biking, inline skating, or riding a skateboard or scooter, wearing a properly fitted helmet is key to preventing head injuries. Florida law requires bicycle riders under the age of 16 to wear a properly fitted helmet
- A vehicle can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time; teach children to look left, right and then left again before crossing the street. Children may need to hear this several times and practice with an adult before they consistently do this on their own
- Teach children to buckle up on every ride, every time
- Ensure children in your vehicle are properly secured in the right car seat, booster seat or seat belt based on each child’s age and size
For more safety tips regarding commuting to and from school, click here.
The start of the 2020 school year has been far from normal for many families. As we continue to plan and move forward with our children’s schooling, let’s make sure we incorporate safety education and preventative practices into their day no matter their environment.
Sources: National Safety Council, Safe Kids Worldwide, Florida’s Poison Control Centers, Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Transportation, & Section 316.2065 Florida Statute
About the Author
Jennifer Cipriano, BSN, RN, CMSRN, is the Trauma Continuum of Care Coordinator for Lakeland Regional Health and is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.