With June declared National Safety Month by the National Safety Council, the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter has 10 suggestions for kids to help out around the house beyond cleaning the gutters or taking out the trash.
1) Conduct a household hazards hunt. According to the U.S. Home Safety Council, more than 18,000 Americans die each year from unintentional injury occurring at home. Fire and burn deaths are the leading cause for children ages one to 14 and the second leading cause for children younger than one.
With this in mind, children can draw a map of their house and make a list of any potential hazards found in each room including: non-operating smoke alarms, lights needing replacement or improvement, poisonous substances, sharp objects, and things that could fall, move, break or cause a fire.
2) Develop a family fire escape plan that has two exits for every room and a meeting place outside. To learn how to make a plan and to find fire prevention activities from Sparky the Fire Dog, go to the Red Cross Prepare website, www.prepare.org.
3) Take a CPR or first aid training course. Many deaths and injuries can be prevented by knowing how to help someone who is hurt or choking. According to the U.S. Home Safety Council, deaths due to choking and suffocation are the fourth largest cause of home injury death in the United States. A complete list of CPR and first aid courses is available at www.bayarea-redcross.org.
4) Take the Red Cross Babysitter Course. Teenagers looking to make extra money this summer may wish to add the Red Cross Babysitter Course to their qualifications. The course will teach life-saving skills, accident prevention, diapering, and other ways to help care for children.
5) Learn about first aid for family pets. Know what to do if a family pet gets injured. A first aid checklist and instructions can be found at www.prepare.org.
6) Check out disaster preparedness activities and coloring books. The national Red Cross Youth Services Interactive Zone at www.redcross.org and the Red Cross Prepare website, www.prepare.org, contain virtual maps, online games, coloring books, as well as other fun activities to help children learn how to stay safe.
7) Enroll in sports safety training. Kids can learn to keep a safe environment while playing sports. This course, designed for coaches by the American Red Cross and the United States Olympic Committee, is open to all athletes. Participants will gain skills to sustain life and to minimize consequences of injury or sudden illness until medical help arrives. For more information, go to www.bayarea-redcross.org.
8) Become a Red Cross volunteer. There are several volunteer opportunities available. To find out more, contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross at www.bayarea-redcross.org or 415-427-8000.
9) Build a family supply kit. Keeping a kit of supplies on hand ensures that families are ready for a disaster or other unforeseen circumstances. A checklist of items is available on the Red Cross Prepare website at www.prepare.org.
10) Donate Blood. Teens who are at least 17-years-old and weigh at least 110 lbs are eligible to donate. Those who are younger may wish to recruit teens and adults to donate. Blood drive locations are listed at www.BeaDonor.com.
