Photo ID for Your Child Is Urgent

By MEC
May 12, 2010

One of the most important tools for law enforcement to use in the case of a missing child is an up-to-date, good-quality photograph.

Noted below are some tips for parents and guardians regarding such a photograph?

 

 

• The photograph should be a recent, head-and-shoulders color photograph of the child in which the face is clearly seen. It should be of “school-portrait” quality, and the background should be plain or solid so it does not distract from the subject.

 

• When possible the photograph should be in a digitized form, and available on a compact disk (CD), as opposed to just a hard copy. This minimizes the time necessary to scan, resize, and make color corrects before disseminating it to law enforcement.

 

• The photograph should be an accurate depiction of the child, not overly posed or “glamorized.” Nor should other people, animals, or objects be in the photograph. The photograph should not be taken outside, out of focus, torn, damaged, or very small.

 

• The photograph should have space for accurate, narrative description useful to identify the child such as name, nickname, height, weight, sex, age, eye color, identifying marks, glasses, and braces.

 

• The photograph should be updated at least every six months for children 6 years of age or younger and then once a year, or when a child’s appearance changes.

 

• All copies of child’s photograph and information should be maintained in an easily accessible, secure space by the parents or guardian. The photograph and data should not be stored in a public database.

 

Download the Best Practices Guide for Child ID Kits

 

Source: Missing Kids

 

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

 

Safety Tip – Christmas Shopping

By:NMB PD/PIO
Dec. 17, 2009

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets, and other holiday grinches.

Nothing can ruin the Christmas spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.

Remember, whether you are leaving the house to go shopping or out for an evening of Christmas parties, lock your doors and windows! Don’t leave the drapes open with your presents in plain view.

Christmas presents displayed around your tree can be a pretty sight, but can also be quite tempting to burglars.

It’s better to scatter the gifts around the house, in closets or cupboards, where they can’t be so easily seen.

If you are leaving town for the holidays, make sure your home appears occupied. Leave inside and outside lights on timers and have your neighbors pick up newspapers, mail, and take flyers off your door.

Ask neighbors to park in your driveway. Put a timer on a talk radio station for several hours a day.

If you choose to have a live Christmas tree, make sure it is always properly watered. Never leave tree lights on when no one is at home. Remember, ornaments can also burn.

After Christmas, don’t put out empty boxes advertising your new purchases (VCR’s, microwaves, etc.). Break the boxes down and deposit them in your trash, recycle bin or dumpster away from your home.

When you’re shopping, use the trunk of your car to keep your packages out of sight. Keep your car locked at all times.

Be sure and make several trips to your car to deposit packages in the trunk. Don’t allow yourself to become so burdened down with packages that you become a tempting target.

When walking through parking lots, be sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Walk with authority. Don’t look like a victim!

If you have a garage door opener, do not leave the control openly displayed in your car.

Keep the door leading from your house to your garage locked. Try not to leave your garage door open at any time.

Be aware that thieves and pickpockets also do some of their biggest business during the holiday season. Ladies, don’t dangle your handbag from your shoulder. You are creating a perfect setup for a purse snatcher.

Instead, keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm. Better yet, don’t even carry a purse. Place your checkbook, cash, or credit cards in your front pockets.

Avoid carrying your checkbook, cash, and credit cards all together in one wallet, because if a thief gets the whole package together, they can cash checks with your identification and run up a large credit card bill in a short amount of time.

Never give your credit card number over the telephone to anyone when you did not initiate the call. And be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company when ordering merchandise over the telephone.

Don’t “flash” large rolls of money in public. You never know who’s watching! Also, spread your money around in different pockets.

That way a pickpocket can’t clean you out in one fell swoop.

If you go to an automatic teller machine, try to go during the daylight hours. If you must go at night, pick a machine that is well lighted and visible to passing traffic.

If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another.

When dining out valet parking is nice, but don’t be too lax. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle and never leave your house key with the attendant.

Just by using a little planning and some good common sense, most holiday crimes can be avoided.

  

Source: North Miami Beach Police Department  

 

 

Editor’s Note; We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchroicle.com

Tree Safety to Protect Our Kids

 

By Parents
Nov. 27, 2009 

Though fire-resistant artificial trees in general are safer than fresh-cut trees, some families find it’s just not Christmas without a real pine or spruce, no matter what its size.

If your family insists on the real thing, be sure to follow these tips from the National Christmas Tree Association and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. 

Choose a healthy, fresh tree. Here’s how: Grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger, and slide your fingers down the branch. If the tree is fresh, very few needles should come off in your hand.

To ensure that your tree stays a vibrant green, make a cut straight across the bottom of the trunk (about a quarter of an inch above the previous cut) before placing the tree in the stand.

Keep the tree stand filled with water. As a general rule, a fresh tree will absorb more than a gallon of water in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter.

Place the tree away from household sources of heat, such as fireplaces, radiators, television sets, and vents.

Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections, and broken sockets before placing them on the tree.

Don’t overload extension cords — no more than three strings of lights per cord is the rule.

Never leave your tree unattended while the lights are turned on.

Source: Parents

 

Editor Notes: Tips 4 through 7 apply to artificial trees too. We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Protecting our Children on the Internet

By Live Secure
Nov. 14, 2009

Learn how to protect your kids online. The Internet is a world full of information, entertainment and learning opportunities, but “cyberspace” also holds many dangers for children. Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your child.

 

How to Introduce Your Child to the Internet

Explain to your child that even though he or she may be alone when using the Internet, other people can connect to your computer to find out who and where you are and that precautions must be taken.

Explore the Internet together, letting your child take the lead.

Talk to your child about things that concern you about the Internet … like exploitation, pornography, hate literature and the like … so they’ll know what to do if they encounter it.

 

How to Control Access

Choose an online service provider that enables you to block access to any site not marked as appropriate for children.

Buy software that allows you to set protective barriers both to block sites and prevent your child from giving out information online.

Look over your child’s shoulder from time to time, not only checking what is on screen but also watching for uneasiness or other signs that something forbidden may be going on.

 

Teach Your Child

• Let you know right away if he or she sees anything disturbing online.
• Never give out any personal information.
• Never agree to meet someone face-to-face after encountering them online.
• Never respond to messages that contain obscene or weird language.
• Avoid sites that charge for services.
• Never send personal or family photos to anyone online without getting permission from you.

 

Other Ways to Promote Cyber-Safety

Make sure Internet access at school is controlled and monitored by adults.

If your child has a friend with Internet access, make sure that child’s parents have adequate controls in place and if the children are monitored when online.

Make sure your child’s school has an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that defines acceptable and unacceptable online activities and resources, spells out the consequences for violations, and has a place for you and your child to sign.

If your child receives offensive or threatening e-mail, save the material as evidence and contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.

If you encounter a site that’s inappropriate for children, send its address to online services and sites that provide blocking software so they can review it.

Source: Live Secure

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

What Do You Do Fire in Your Home?

By Arthur
Oct. 29, 2009

Editor’s Note:  We hope you will sit down with your kids amd watch Arthur on PBS. As he gives helpful tips for you and your kids. We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

On April 9th, there was a fire at my school. It was pretty scary, but everything turned out okay.

Have you ever wondered what you would do if there were a fire in your home? I have. Here are some important prevention and safety tips I learned.

 

Be Smart

1. Don’t touch matches. Stay away from lighters and candles, too.
2. Don’t touch radiators or heaters. Ask a grown-up to turn a heater on or off for you. Don’t stand too close to a fireplace or wood stove, either.
3. Don’t play with electrical cords. And don’t stick anything into an electrical socket.
4. Don’t play around in the kitchen. If you want to cook something, be sure to check with a grown-up first.
5. Don’t put anything over a lamp. Things thrown over a lamp (like blankets or clothing) could catch fire.

 

Be Prepared

1. Make an escape plan. Work with your family to plan how to get out of your home if there is a fire.
2. Plan two ways out of every room. The first way out should be a door.
3. Choose a meeting place. Pick a safe and easy-to-remember spot outside your home where you will meet your family after you get out.
4. Practice! Every escape path needs to be planned and practiced with grown-ups.
5. Test smoke alarms. Help grown-ups remember to test smoke alarms monthly and to put in new batteries twice a year when the clocks change.

If there is a fire:

 

Be Safe

1. Get out fast! When you hear the loud beep of the smoke alarm, get out of the house. Never hide or take time to grab your belongings or pets.
2. Follow your escape plan. After all, you’ve been practicing!
3. Feel a door before you open it. If it is hot, there may be fire on the other side. Try to get out another way.
4. Stay low to the floor. Since smoke rises, the safest air for breathing is down low.
5. Call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Be sure to do this after you get out of the house. Remember: Only call 9-1-1 if there is a real emergency.
6. Stay out! Once you’re out, stay out. Don’t go back for anything!

Stop, Drop, and Roll. If your clothing catches fire, remember to stop where you are and drop to the ground. Cover your face and mouth with your hands, and roll over and over until the flames are out.

I got most of this stuff from the United States Fire Administration’s Kids Page, and some from the National Fire Protection Association Web site. You can talk to your parents or teachers about fire safety, too.

I also learned a lot from some third graders who interviewed four of their local firefighters. They even sent me some great pictures. Check them out!

Source: Arthur

Make Halloween Safer

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
Oct 21, 2009

Editor’s Note: We at the Chronicle joins forces with The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. To help Parents protect their children during this years Halloween.

We also are proud to join forces since 1990 to find missing kids across America. You can see their photos on the front of our sight.

Below are some safety tips to use for this Halloween.

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, but sometimes the most hectic for parents. Nearly 94 percent of children between the ages of four and twelve participate in Halloween activities each year. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) reminds parents to take a moment to consider basic safety precautions that will make Halloween a safer night of fun.

 

• CHOOSE bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark. In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.

 

• PLAN a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.

 

• NEVER send young children out alone. They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult. Older children should always travel in groups.

 

• ALWAYS walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don’t let children enter a home unless you are with them.

 

• BE SURE children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.

 

• DISCUSS basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.

 

• CONSIDER organizing a home or community party as an alternative to “trick-or-treating.”

 

• MAKE sure children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.

 

• TEACH children to say “NO!” or this is not my mother/father” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.

 

• REMIND children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.

 

“Child safety is important year round, but Halloween is an especially important time for parents and children to pay extra attention to their surroundings and not let their guard down,” says Nancy McBride, National Safety Director of NCMEC. “It is important that parents exercise a few basic safety precautions to help ensure that Halloween is both fun and safe.”

To download pdf of safety tips

 

Source: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

10 Essentials for Safety

by Paul Rogers
October 10, 2009

It’s important to be prepared for anything when you watch the kids. These basics will keep everyone safe.

If grandchildren will be visiting, be sure you have key supplies and medications close at hand (yet out of reach of the kids), advises pediatrician Josh Rabinowitz, D.O., of Advocare Main Line Pediatrics in suburban Philadelphia.

First-aid kit. Keep it well-stocked and in a convenient place. Make sure it includes Bacitracin or Neosporin — antibiotic ointments that prevent infections in cuts and scrapes — and hydrocortisone cream, which takes away the itch of poison ivy.

Emergency information. Never let parents leave kids with you without providing an emergency-contact list that includes their cell-phone numbers and their pediatrician’s office information.

EpiPen, inhaler, or prescription medicine. If your grandchildren are taking medication, or have been prescribed an inhaler or EpiPen, make sure parents bring it along with the children and entrust it to you with any instructions you need. It could save a life.

Ice pack. For those inevitable bumps on the head.

Children’s Motrin or Tylenol (or generic). Children can contract fevers for a number of reasons, and these standbys have proven effective for bringing temperatures down quickly. (Always contact the parents before giving children any medicine.)

Children’s Benadryl (or generic). For allergic reactions, including hives (also available in a cream for bad mosquito bites). It can cause drowsiness, but has the opposite effect in some children. (Again, always call the parents before giving children a dose.)

 

Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above). Several children’s brands are available in spray-on bottles. Try to give kids a coating about 30 minutes before you plan to go outdoors.

Insect repellent. This is an essential if Lyme disease is a concern in your area — and even if isn’t, kids often have worse reactions to mosquito bites than adults. For children, use sprays with no more than 30 percent DEET.

Swimming pool gate/fence. A must (and in some places, the law) if preadolescent grandchildren will be spending any time near your pool.

House rules. No one knows the potential safety risks in and around your house better than you, so make sure all your grandchildren know the house rules for where they can go and how they can play.

Source Grandparents

Editors note Paul Rogers is a New York City–based journalist who has written extensively for newspapers and magazines.

Falls Prevention Safety Tips

By Sparky
Oct. 3, 2009

Unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among children. More than 2.1 million children 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2007. Eighty-two children ages 14 and under died from falls in 2005. Lack of supervision is associated with 40% of playground injuries.

 

Safety basics
Many fall injuries can be prevented with safe play rules. Here are some basic safety tips to keep children safe:

 

At play

• Inspect playground equipment to make sure it is age appropriate and in good condition.
• Play areas should be covered with at least 12 inches of shredded mulch, wood chips, pea gravel, and fine sand or covered with rubber or rubber-like material designed for use under playground materials. Dirt, grass and sand do not provide proper fall protection.
• Encourage children to take turns on playground equipment.
• Encourage children to play gently –pushing and roughhousing can lead to falls.
• Never allow children to wear jackets with drawstrings, jewelry, or scarves around the neck. They can get caught on playground equipment.

 

 

In the home

• Keep stairs clear of toys and other items that could cause someone to trip. Teach children to hold the handrail when on stairs or escalators and always tie their shoelaces to avoid tripping over them
• Windows opened as little as five inches pose a danger to children under 10. Install window guards with quick release mechanisms that can be opened easily from the inside in case there is a fire.
• Make sure tall furniture, clocks, televisions, etc. are secured to the wall to prevent falling on children.

Source: Sparky NFPA

Editor’s Note: Information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) (12/17/08).

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Tip of the Week: Water Safety

By Sparky
Sept. 20, 2009

 

Childhood drowning and near-drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. They typically occur when a child is left unattended or during a brief lapse of supervision. Eight hundred ten children ages 14 and under drowned in 2005. An estimated 2,780 children were treated in emergency rooms after near-drowning in 2007. Severe and permanent brain damage affects as many as 20 percent of near-drowning victims.

 

Make sure pools and spas are enclosed on four sides with a fence at least 5 feet high with a self-closing and latching gates.

Drains in pools and spas should have anti-entrapment drain covers.

Learn infant and child CPR and always have a phone near the pool for emergency use.

Children should always swim under the supervision of a grown-up. Every child over the age of three should have swimming lessons.

Children using air-filled swimming aids should always be supervised by an adult within arm’s reach.

A U.S. Coast guard approved lifejacket should be worn for water sports such as tubing, skiing or jet skiing. Air-filled aids such as inner tubes, water wings and inflatable rafts are not substitutes for approved lifejackets

 

 

It is important for children to learn and practice water safety rules. Here are some helpful water safety rules for children:

• Children should swim only if a lifeguard or a grown-up gives you permission.
• Teach children to obey the posted rules.

 

 

Encourage children to:

Check with the lifeguard to find out how deep the water is.

Always swim with a buddy.

Never jump or dive unless the lifeguard or a grown-up says it is okay to do so.

Don’t eat candy or chew gum when swimming.

Never swim at night.

Get out of the water right away if you hear thunder or see lightning.

 When on a boat, everyone needs a seat and his or her own U.S. Coastguard approved lifejacket.

 

Source: Sparky     NFPA

 

Editor’s Note: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) (12/17/08). 

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Motor Vehicle safety

by Sparky
August 30, 2009

 

 

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths for children 14 and under with almost 2,000 death in 2005. Inappropriately restrained children are nearly three and a half times more likely to be seriously injured in motor vehicle-related crashes. In 2007, more than 178,000 children ages 14 and under were injured occupants in a motor vehicle crash.
 

Riding in a motor vehicle

• Children ages 12 and under should ride buckled up in the back seat in a child safety seat, booster seat or safety belt.
• Infants should ride in a rear-facing infant seat until they are at least one-year old and weight at least 20 pounds.
• Use a convertible or forward facing safety seat until the child outgrows it – up to about four and when the child weights 40 pounds.
• All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least eight years old, unless they are 4-feet 9 inches tall. Adult safety belts alone do not sufficiently protect children weighting less than 80 pounds form injury in a crash. Children can’t ride comfortably and remain properly restrained until they are tall enough for the knees to bend over the edge of the seat when their backs are resting firmly against the back seat. If the should portion of the lap-shoulder belt comes across the neck, rather than the chest, they should be in a booster seat.

 

Bus safety for children

• While waiting for the bus, take five giant steps form the curb until the bus has stopped completely.
• Stay seated at all times.
• Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus. Never throw anything out of the bus window.
• Always hold on to the bus handrails to prevent falling.
• Be careful that clothing, book bags, and key rings don’t get caught in the handrails or doors.
• When getting off the bus, take five giant steps away from the bus, and stay on the sidewalk.
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus drive. Otherwise, the bus driver may not be able to see you.

 

Source: Sparky      NFPA

 

Editor’s Note:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) (12/17/08). 

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

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