Safe Kids Johnston County Offers Essential Holiday Safety Tips for Families

Johnston County – As the holiday season approaches, Safe Kids Johnston County urges families to prioritize safety. Below are essential safety tips to help families navigate the most common safety hazards so this holiday season can be a memorable one.
 
Cooking Safety
The kitchen can be a bustling hub during holidays. To prevent burns and spills, always opt for the back burner and turn pot handles away from the edge. Teach older children safe practices, like using oven mitts and never leaving the kitchen unattended while using the stove or oven.
 
Toy Safety
There are several factors to remember when choosing a toy for a child this holiday season. Always consider the child’s age and read instructions and warning labels carefully. Ensure that toys do not have small parts that could pose a choking hazard for the child or younger siblings. Once the fun is over, use a bin or container to store toys until next time.
 
Safe Storage
Safe storage is crucial for keeping hazardous items out of reach of curious young children. Button batteries can be extremely dangerous if swallowed, so keep these batteries secure. For families with firearms, it’s vital to store guns unloaded and locked in a secure container out of sight of children. Make sure to discuss safe storage practices with friends and relatives.
 
Travel Safety
Holiday travel requires special attention to child passenger safety. Always check your car seat before heading out, and use booster seats for children who have outgrown forward-facing seats to ensure the seatbelt fits properly. Prioritize your family’s needs over making good time; if your child needs a diaper change or a snack, take the next exit and find a safe area to assist them.
 
About Safe Kids Johnston County
Safe Kids Johnston County is a community coalition led by the Partnership for Children of Johnston County that works to prevent unintentional childhood injuries, the leading cause of death and disability to children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Johnston County was founded in 2009 and is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. For more information or to get involved, contact Jennifer Williams, Safe Kids Coordinator at 919-750-3703 or jwilliams@pfcjc.org.