Safe Start offers some tips for creating a safety presentation to help illustrate the most common injury hazards in the home. For health fairs and other safety events, Safe Start offers a free Display Loan Program to promote safety in the home and outdoors. Topics include choking, poisoning, outdoor sports, car seats, window safety and scald prevention. The display is available in both trade show and poster formats. For more information visit the Display Loan Program.
A brochure entitled "Hot Water Burns Like Fire!" highlights common dangers that contribute to scald burns and presents practical, low-cost options for preventing scald injuries. Call 1-888-331-8100 for a supply.A detachable credit-card-sized reusable thermometer accompanies the brochure. It measures the temperature of the hot water in the home. The "Hot Water Temperature Testing Card" is an easy to use tool that gives a digital reading of the temperature of the water coming from the hot water tank. Visit Safe Start's 'Hot Water Burns Like Fire' page or Safe Kids Canada for more information.
In 2002, ear, nose and throat specialists at Children's published a list of common choking hazards seen in their clinics. The most severe choking incidents treated involved hot dogs, popcorn, grapes, carrots, nuts and gel candies (now banned in Canada). Non-food hazards included coins, nails and screws, small toy pieces, buttons and earrings. During your presentation, drop a few of the above items into a toilet paper tube. Items that fit are likely to be choking hazards and should be kept out of reach. Always remind parents to grate food before serving and cut grapes in half, especially for children under age three. Parents should not give popcorn to children under four years of age.