Safety
Want an easy parenting win today? One of the easiest and most important ways to protect your child is by having them wear a helmet while on a bike. That also goes for other wheeled activities, like skateboarding and rollerblading. In general, it is important to avoid hits to the head. Any activity resulting in a bump, blow or jolt to the head can lead to a concussion, temporarily disrupting normal brain function. Helmets are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury in the event of...
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4/19/2023 2:19:00 PM
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Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and potentially dangerous forces. Fortunately, since these sometimes deadly storms can only form and strengthen at sea, they rarely make landfall without ample warning. That’s good news for the millions of Floridians who live in areas that could be affected by a hurricane. Make preparations now and you’ll be ready to act when a storm threatens. If a hurricane watch is issued, a hurricane is possible within 24 to 36 hours. Keep up with...
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9/26/2022 10:31:00 AM
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Lightning can be exciting to watch, but it's a dangerous weather phenomenon—even when you're indoors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 out of 3 lightning injuries occurs indoors. To reduce your risk of being hit by lightning when you're inside, avoid these things: Electronics. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, as well as radio and television reception systems. So don't use computers, laptops, washers, dryers, stoves or anything plugged int...
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5/23/2019 1:45:00 PM
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When it comes to fireworks, here's advice that could spare you—or a loved one—a devastating injury: Leave the shows to the pros. Every year in the U.S., fireworks cause thousands of injuries, including severe burns and eye injuries. Many of these injuries are serious enough to require treatment in hospital emergency departments. Some are deadly. And those hurt or killed are often children or bystanders. Even sparklers are dangerous. They burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees...
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6/20/2017 9:41:00 AM
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As you make your holiday to-do list, be sure it includes this important task: Take steps to stay safe. Celebrations that make this time of year so festive also bring hazards, from dangerous decorations to poisonous plants. Here's how to keep you and your family—pets included—out of harm's way: 1. Step up carefully. Use a step stool or ladder to place decorations in high places. 2. Be cautious with candles. Always keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Don't fo...
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11/17/2016 2:35:00 PM
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Summer just wouldn’t be the same without a nice sandy beach or the cool splash of a pale blue pool. But there's a serious side to playing in and around water that deserves a great deal of respect, especially among children. These tips can help to reduce the risk of drowning and keep everyone safe around water. Keep an eye out. Keep you kids within arm’s reach while they are in water, and resist the temptations to become distracted when keeping watch over them. Teach your children wel...
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6/23/2016 12:51:00 PM
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May is Water Safety Awareness Month and Florida residents are encouraged to practice safe swimming this summer. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 and Florida has the highest rate of child drownings under the age of 5 in the nation. Polk County has the 12th highest child drowning rate in the State with a count of 25 deaths in 2014. With over 500 lakes in Polk County, our residents spend a significant amount of time in and around the water, especially this time of year, s...
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5/23/2016 3:52:00 PM
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You can't see it, smell it or taste it, but carbon monoxide CO —a gas released when fuel is burned—can be deadly. Wood, oil, gasoline, natural gas, kerosene and coal all produce CO. In your home, CO can come from a variety of things, such as a heating system, cooking appliance or fireplace. It's also present in fumes from vehicles, small engines and barbecues. There's little to worry about when appliances and other devices are working right and fumes are properly vented. But when the...
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3/22/2016 2:49:00 PM
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When your little one is sick, you naturally want to help him or her feel better—which may mean dispensing a dose of medicine along with some hugs . Before you give a child medicine, however, it's important to remember this: Kids aren't miniature adults. What works for you, may not be right for a child. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind: Ask first. Talk with your pediatrician or a pharmacist before giving a child medicine for the first time. And if he or she is taking any other medi...
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6/24/2015 11:58:00 AM
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