A home fire is something we hope never happens to us but most families don’t have a plan in place in case the worst does occur. In 2009, fire departments treated more than 13,000 fire-related injuries that could have been prevented. With more than 350,000 residential fires in the United States annually, there are a number of small steps your family can take to prepare.
Prepare
Fire in the home is a scary thought and can cause your kids to do impulsive things that may not be best. Here are a few ideas to plan and practice in case of a fire in your home.
- Identify two escape routes in your home. Make sure that everyone (kids included) understand where both are in case one is blocked by flames.
- Practice fire drills at least twice a year. It should be second nature for your family to know what to do in case of a fire.
- In case of a fire, decide on a meeting place outside your home so everyone in the family can be accounted for quickly.
Safety
Make sure to establish rules about fire in the home. Don’t assume that your children know not to play with fire.
- Every room in your home should be equipped with a working fire detector. Make sure to test it twice a year and that your children know what it sounds like so if it ever goes off.
- As simple a it sounds, make sure everyone knows “Stop, Drop and Roll”. This could be a lifesaver.
- Children are never to play with matches, lighters, candles or any other fire starting or fuel source.
- Set the right example. If you don’t play with fire, your kids won’t either.
Hazards
The most important part of fire safety is prevention. Take a few minutes to walk around the house and make sure that there are no concern areas that may lead to issues later on.
- Make sure all flammable liquids (including cleaners) are stored outside of the home, out of reach of children.
- Have one fire extinguisher for every 1,000 square feet of living space. Clarify that all family members know where they are located and how to operate them.
- Never leave burning candles or the stove unattended while in use.
- During the holidays, take special care with tree lights and have your chimney and shoot cleaned an inspected before and after the season.
- If you use space heaters in your home, make sure they are plugged in directly to a wall (not an extension cord) and are at least three feet from anything else (walls, tables, furniture). Always unplug them before leaving the house or going to bed.
Preventing a fire depends on your proactive, not reactive, approach. When it comes to preventing fires, get the entire family involved. If everyone knows the plan and preventative measures, not only will you avoid a home fire, you’ll also instill a sense of responsibility in your kids.
Summer has finally arrived which means your kids are bound for the outdoors. It can be exciting for kids and parents alike and a great opportunity to go swimming, picnicking or on adventures. This time of year is also a dangerous time of year as almost half of all injury-related deaths in children occur between May and August. Whether it be in the pool, on bike, out in the sun or in the backyard is always important.
Here are some tips to keep you and the kiddos safe over the summer recess.
Water Safety
At this time of year, drowning deaths among children skyrocket compared to the rest of the year.
- Never leave your child alone in the water, even in shallow water. A child can drown in as little as one inch of water.
- Enroll your children in swimming lessons. Some swim schools offer class for children as young as 6-months.
- When out in the gulf, make sure that children wear Coast Guard-approved flotation devices when on a watercraft. But never rely on a flotation device to protect your child. Make sure there is an adult supervising your children at all times.
Sun Safety
We are fortunate enough to live in the Sunshine State, where sun shines year-round. But with all the time you and the kids will be spending outdoors this summer, it’s important to protect yourself.
- Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB sunlight.
- Cotton clothing has an estimated SPF of only 6, so even if your kids are going out wearing t-shirts and shorts make sure they are lathered up.
- If you’re going in the water, apply your sunscreen about 30 minutes before hand. And don’t forget to reapply throughout the day.
Bike Safety
Nothing says summer like a nice neighborhood bike ride. But bikes are not toys and can certainly cause injury. Don’t forget to:
- Always wear a helmet. Head injuries are reduced by 85 percent when riders wear a helmet and other safety equipment like knee and wrist pads. It’s estimated that 75 percent of bicycle-related deaths could have been prevented with bicycle helmets.
- When riding on the street, make sure kids understand all riding hand signals, ride with the traffic flow and stay as far right as possible.
- Don’t let your kids ride unsupervised unless they’ve shown they can follow all the rules you’ve established.
Insect and Allergy Safety
As Florida residents we’re used to mosquitoes and Poison Oak. Here are a few tips to help make this summer itch-free.
- If mosquitoes become a big problem in your backyard or neighborhood, make sure that there is no still water around as that’s where mosquitoes breed. If that doesn’t solve the problem, contact the Public Works Department Mosquito Control and they will treat your yard or neighborhood for FREE. Contact them at (813) 635-5400
- When summer allergies flare, something as little as washing your hair after going outside can help stop allergy attacks.
- Avoid activities that involve going through brush or heavy foliage. If you do find some sort of irritating plant (ie: poison oak, ivy or sumac) heat one cup of salt, one gallon of vinegar and eight drops of liquid detergent and spray on any plants you want to get rid of. Warning – this will kill any and all plants so only spray it on plants that cause irritation or allergies.
Is your child doodling on every piece of paper they can get their hands on? Do they dance uncontrollably when their favorite song comes on? Are they saying lines along with their favorite movie? Well if you answered yes to any of these questions, your child may have an underlying talent in the arts that is waiting to be brought to light. And summer is a great time to nurture those talents.
Academic Benefits
There are countless benefits to arts education and exposure but one of the largest is academic benefits. A 2006 study commissioned by the National Assembly of States Arts Agencies found that the reading of dramatic plays helps children comprehend and improves reading skills among all age groups but especially for first graders who are reading below their grade level. Similarly, students how are exposed and participate in arts programming show greater proficiency in language and math. And those that have had four or more years of arts study scored 59 points higher in verbal portion and 44 points higher on the math portion of the SAT.
Self Confidence
The benefits, although great in the academic spectrum, go far beyond school and academic achievement. Children who have the opportunity to study the arts are happier and more self-confident. They gain the ability to express themselves more openly and without reservation. Research also shows that arts can also enhance your child’s social standing and ability to communicate with adults. And these skills will only help them in the future as adults in college, job interviews and business world.
Imagination and Creativity
A child’s imagination is an extraordinary thing and the arts provide kids with an outlet for emotions, thoughts, and dreams. It can create worlds we cannot visit, friends we cannot see and ideas we can barely fathom. There is no measurement to the extent a child can grow this magical ability, and as a parent we need to embrace this limitless wonder. Some of your child’s best creations will be the product of their imagination, whether it’s playing an instrument, acting in a play or a hand painted mural. With such a powerful tool for a child, it is important for parents to encourage the growth and an arts summer program is the perfect place to do it.
And remember, just because your child is interested in painting doesn’t mean that they’ll grow up to become a famous painter. But nurturing those talents will certainly help them be a smarter better person. Take the first step when you see your child’s talents show through, you won’t regret and your kids will thank you later.
Ballerina Princess Camps are week-long sessions set for July and include a daily ballet class. Camps will focus on their own princess ballet — Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, or Nutcracker — and have daily age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts. The first 50 dancers registered get a free ballerina princess T-shirt. Class size is limited.
For more than 30 years, Berkeley summer programs have helped children explore new subjects, develop their creativity, perfect techniques on the playing field and make lasting friendships along the way. Berkeley Summer provides the perfect opportunity to focus, reinforce, enrich, improve and enjoy. Every student benefits from the personalized attention, meaningful activity and the chance to indulge his talents.
The Academy is the home of The Guilfoil Ballet Theater Youth Performance Company. GBT is a Non-Profit pre-professional dance study and performance training program to prepare young artist for future employment in the professional world of dance and theater.
Give your child a summer in the spotlight at Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Hoffman Institute. Performing arts classes and camps available for ages three to eighteen like “Next Stop Broadway!”, “Show Stoppers!” and “I’m Ready for My Close- Up!”
The magical theater camp experience has returned to the center this summer. Registration is open for this three-week camp for ages 8-13. From June 11-29, campers will perform in the fantastical, magical and musical extravaganza Seussical Jr. based on the stories of Dr. Seuss. From July 16 through Aug. 4, campers will perform in Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man Jr. Campers will be trained in acting, dance, improvisation, pantomime and stage direction by experienced teachers. Scholarships and before and after care are available.
Mary Jo’s Sizzlin’ Summer Camps, www.mjpaa.com; 813-969-0240
Experience a summer of dance (ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, acrobatics), acting, musical theater, voice and music. The fun is for ages 3 and older. The weekly themes include Princess and Pirates, Beach Bash, Dancing Divas & Dudes, Tampa’s Got Talent, Movie Moves and In the Jungle! Sign up online. Sessions are June 18-29 and July 9 through Aug. 3.
Music Showcase and The Florida Academy of Performing Arts, www.faopa.org
Camps include musical theater for ages 5 and older. Shows include Fiddler on the Roof, Little Mermaid, High School Musical, and Grease. Other camps include group guitar, group violin, and computer music class, acting classes, rock band and Glee show choir. Half and full-day camps and before and after care are available.
Get in on the fun with your child during these classes for newborns through age 5. Program includes six 45-minute classes, two CDs, parent guide/DVD and an illustrated songbook.
The Patel Conservatory is offering more than 70 camps and classes in all areas of dance, theater and music for all ages and experience levels! Camps for ages 3 through college-age are Monday through Friday. Weekly classes for all ages are held on afternoons, evenings and weekends. Call to speak to a member of the registration staff for help in choosing the right camp or class for your needs.
Learn about theater from the bay area’s Stageworks Theatre this summer. Campers will perform in a production of Thoroughly Modern Millie Junior. Camp is open to student’s 8th – 12th grade. Performance dates are July 27, 28 and 29.
These week-long half-day camps bring the magic of the stage to youngsters 5-8 and 9-16. Campers learn acting, music, dance and stagecraft from credentialed, caring staff in a beautiful historic theater. Every camp ends with a fully staged show!
Fine Art Camps (painting, photography, drawing, sculpting)
Dunedin Fine Art Center, www.dfac.org; 727-298-3322
Studies show that children who study art do better in all of their studies. DFAC summer art camps offer fun, creative, cognitive experiences for children ages 4-1/2-14. Activities include drawing, painting, drama and dance.
KidzArt is a fun and dynamic drawing-based program that encourages discovery and self-expression in a safe environment! The summer camps are designed to provide each student with a unique experience that nurtures their individual creative spirit while building friendships, gaining artistic understanding and – most importantly – having fun!
Summer art and clay camps for ages 5-15. Campers will travel through a wide range of media, rotating between two different classrooms and two different teaching artists. Children will learn the art processes, explore the basic art concepts and skills, and learn the proper care for art tools and materials. Our summer camp art teachers use selected weekly themes to create hands-on art experiences that focus on the learning process as well as the final works of art.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 07:10PM