Tag Archives: safety

Three Ways for Au Pairs to Stay Red Cross Ready

Being knowledgeable in basic first aid and CPR is important for au pairs (and anyone else caring for children). Au Pair in America’s commitment to infant/child safety begins before au pairs arrive to the U.S., with pre-arrival training and continue throughout the au pair year.

#1 Training At Orientation

Our orientation includes seminars by American Red Cross instructors who provide hands-on demonstrations in infant/child CPR and safety. Printed materials are provided that reinforce the safety information and can be used to review from time to time.

#2 Enroll in a Red Cross Certification Class

After settling into their host community, all au pairs are encouraged to complete an Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification program. Au Pair in America will pay for this training through the American Red Cross.

Classes are available through the Red Cross. Au Pair in America will pay for the cost of a class providing an au pair has at least six months left on her visa and is taking one of several approved childcare/child safety-related classes, such as Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. Au pairs should check with their community counselor and host family before signing up. Au Pair in America will register the au pair directly.

To locate a class, visit www.redcross.org/takeaclass. For step-by-step instructions on how to locate a class and have Au Pair in America complete enrollment, click here.

#3 Stay Current on Safety Information

The Official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Available for iPhone and Android devices, this app gives you instant access to the information you need to know to handle the most common first aid emergencies. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice, it’s never been easier to know first aid. Download the app for free from the American Red Cross website or in your app store.

Photos: Robin Leon

Privacy & Personal Information Online

We live in a time of constant sharing through social media. We often share pictures, plans of somewhere we are going or rants about problems, without thinking much about who will see it and what could be the consequences.

Before clicking “post”, stop to think:

  • Am I violating someone’s privacy?
  • Am I sharing personal info. that could put me in danger?
  • Would I want my current or a future employer to see this?

This will help protect your privacy and safety as well as that of your host family. It is important to respect your host family’s privacy and not share personal details and information.  This applies to all kinds of situations, including: personal conversations, email and social websites.

For your own safety, it is a good idea to be careful what personal information you share about yourself as well. You should not give out information like your telephone number and address to people you don’t know. Safer to meet a new friend in a public place, than to give them your address before knowing them.

Once you post something on the internet (even if you later delete it), it can show up elsewhere.  Unless you have specific permission from your host family, you should never post pictures of them, their children or their home on the internet.

If you have a blog or website where you post in your native language, remember there is translation software. So, even if you say it in your native language, be sure it is not something that might be misinterpreted in translation or something you will regret saying.

10 Tips for Summer Safety

  1. Remember to bring along drinks, especially water. Try to get children to drink water every 20 minutes, when they are outside in hot weather.
  2. Pay attention to surfaces that can be hot against children’s skin, such as metal slides and other playground equipment in the sun.
  3. Safety around water is particularly important. A child can drown in just a few inches of water. Whenever you are near water you must never leave a child alone – if the phone rings, take them with you or let it ring! Always stay within arm’s reach when the children are in or near water.
  4. Young babies should be kept out of direct sunlight. Keep the baby in the shade or under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy.
  5. Dress babies in lightweight clothing and use brimmed hats.
  6. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, even if it appears overcast (cloudy).
  7. Try to keep children out of the sun in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.
  8. Learn what poison ivy looks like and keep children out of it. A good rule to teach the children is “leaves of three, let it be.”
  9. Use insect repellent spray to keep away mosquitos and ticks. Ask your host parents before applying.
  10. Check for ticks when you bring children in from playing outside, especially if you’ve been in tall grass or the woods.

Photo: Scott97006 (Flickr)

SaveSave

Preventing Dehydration in Hot Weather

Dehydration means that the body lacks the necessary amount of fluid. Infants and small children are more likely to become dehydrated than older children or adults, because they can lose relatively more fluid quickly.

Here are some steps to take to make sure children remain hydrated in the summer months:

  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. On hot days, children should drink significantly more water than usual, as they are losing more due to the heat.
  • Do not wait until your child is thirsty to give him water. By the time they feel thirsty, they are already becoming dehydrated.
  • If your child is resistant to drinking enough water, have other liquids on hand for your child to drink throughout the day.
  • Be alert to changes in behavior. A child may act confused or more irritable when they are becoming dehydrated/overheated. Get them into cooler temperatures and drinking more fluids.
  • Dress your child in lightweight clothing in the summer months, particularly if she’ll be playing outdoors in warm weather. You may also consider clothes that are well ventilated as they do not trap heat close to the body.
  • When there are heat and/or air quality advisories because the weather is dangerously hot, you should avoid taking the children outdoors. Check with your host parents for further guidance on this topic.

Remember to follow these tips for yourself too, so you stay well hydrated.

Photo: Darwin Bell (Flickr)

Winter Storm Warning and what to do

Now is the time of year when we hear about winter storm warnings, blizzard warnings, etc. What are you supposed to do about that?

A winter storm is a snowstorm that has a lot of snow and/or winds that blow the snow around so you can’t see. A winter storm watch means the conditions are right for a storm, and a winter storm warning means there is a storm on the way. A blizzard warning means that there will be a BAD winter storm. An ice warning means that there will be ice on the roads, on the cars, everywhere.

Many people try to stock up so they can just stay in the house for a few days – watch the weather reports and grab a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread before the storm is supposed to hit. People can get lost in falling, blowing snow. Even just going to the mailbox! The storms never last that long, so most likely you will be able to wait until it’s over before going outside.

Driving in the snow is a lot like any winter driving – take everything, every single thing, slower than normal. Start slower, give yourself more time to stop, slow way down before you turn. Don’t panic if you slide or even spin – try to steer where you want to go because eventually you will be able to control the car again. Watch out for other drivers! Even if your light has turned green, make sure the cross traffic is able to stop before you go out in front of them.

Carry things like gloves or mittens, blankets, ice scrapers, and windshield washer fluid in the car. I always stick a pair of those $1.00 stretchy gloves in the pocket of any coat I might want to wear in case I forget my real gloves – they are way better than nothing. (But try not to get them wet.)

Dress in layers and dress kids in several layers. That way if they get too warm, they can take off their hoodie and still wear their coat. Au pairs need to get instructions from host parents on exactly how to dress the kids for winter, and they need to follow those instructions!

Winter in Minnesota is something everyone here has to deal with. Most of the time it can be fun! But when there’s a storm coming, please take care of yourself and your kids.

 

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Tubing au pairs

Winter Driving Safety Tips from the Minnesota Safety Council – Long but worth it!
WINTER DRIVING TIPS

In addition to the basic safe driving habits we practice all year long – buckling up, driving alert and sober, and driving at a safe and legal speed – be aware of extra steps you can take during the winter months.

Make sure your car is ready for the season and that the brakes, battery, exhaust and cooling systems, headlights, fluids, windshield wipers and washers are all in proper working order. Throughout the winter, keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze.

Keep close tabs on the weather. Avoid traveling, especially alone, if severe weather is forecast. Before taking a trip, inform someone at your destination of your expected arrival time and your route.

Keep an emergency survival kit in the car. It should include:
a working flashlight and road flares
an ice scraper, snow brush and shovel
jumper cables, tow chain and a toolkit
a blanket, warm clothes, boots, hat and gloves
a metal bucket or coffee can, small candle and matches or a disposable lighter
a brightly colored square of cloth such as a bandanna
basic first aid kit
a large plastic garbage bag (can be used to insulate feet, legs and torso)
a bag of sand, salt or cat litter to use for traction when tire is stuck
high energy, non-perishable foods (granola bars, unsalted nuts, dried fruits)

If your car has been outside during a snowfall, brush all the snow off before setting out. Snow left on the front hood will blow into the front vent and cause defrosting problems, and can also melt and re-freeze on the windshield. Snow on the roof will cover the rear window and snow on the rear deck will blow onto tail lights. Pay particular attention to cleaning off headlights and tail lights so that other motorists can see you.

Adjust your speed to the conditions and increase following distances. Remember that bridges and overpasses can be more slippery than other parts of the road. If you begin to skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and gently turn the wheel in the direction you want the car to go. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes.

Check that your cell phone is fully charged for use during emergencies. Because driving requires your full attention, be sure to find a safe place to pull over when you need to make a call.

If You Get Stranded While Traveling…
Stay with your vehicle. Don’t try to walk to safety – you’re safer staying in your vehicle.
Call for help on your cell phone
Make yourself visible. Tie a brightly colored (preferably red) banner or cloth on your antenna or hang it out a window. After the snowfall ends, raise the hood of your engine to indicate trouble.
Run vehicle for ten minutes every hour.Operate the heater and keep your overhead light on to remain visible for rescuers. Keep the exhaust pipe clear to prevent fumes from entering the vehicle, and always leave a down-wind window open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, keep the radiator free of snow to prevent overheating.
Keep moving. From time to time vigorously move your arms, fingers, legs and toes to keep blood circulating and to stay warm. Avoid over-doing it. It is important not to get hot and sweaty because wet clothing loses its insulating ability. If you are with others, huddle together for warmth and sleep in shifts.
Acknowledgments:
National Safety Council

Au pairs and Minnesota winters

Almost all the families I interview express concerns about how au pairs will adapt to our lovely winters. I can honestly say that not one of the hundreds of au pairs I have worked with has left Minnesota because of the winter. In fact, I would say that the highest percentage of au pairs who choose to extend with their same family in my cluster is girls from warm places like Brazil and Thailand.

However, if your au pair will be sleeping in the basement, you might want to look at space heaters. The modern ones are extremely safe, and as long as you are very clear about safety with it (don’t drape your towel over it to dry it, for example) it might make your au pair feel more appreciated.

It is important to make our environment very clear when you are interviewing candidates. Just like everything else, early communication can really prevent issues later on. You don’t need to scare her – don’t mention the snow emergency we had last May, for example – but she should know that it will be cold and snowy for half the year.

Winter driving can also be a big challenge for anyone – even people who have grown up here can forget how to slow down early enough after it snows. The Minnesota Safety Council has a course entitled “Alive at 25” that au pairs can take to brush up on their skills. They also have fact sheets about winter driving that talk to specific issues they might need to know. The links are at the right.

We can all get through this together. We do it every year!

Child Safety Tips

This is from Walgreens’ website – I think it has a lot of good information.

CHILD SAFETY

  • The space between crib bars should be no more than 2.5 inches.
  • The distance from the mattress to the top of the rail should be over 2 feet.
  • DO NOT put extra blankets and stuffed animals in a crib with a baby.
  • DO NOT place a baby on the stomach to sleep.
  • Always keep one hand on an infant who is lying on a changing table.
  • Place gates at the top and bottom of each stairway.
  • Cover unused electrical sockets.
  • Keep cleaning fluids, bug poisons, and other chemicals well out of a child’s reach. Avoid storing toxic substances in unmarked or inappropriate containers (such as food containers). If you suspect poisoning or have questions, call 1-800-222-1222.
  • Buy medicines with child-resistant caps. Place all medications out of the reach of children.
  • Put safety latches on cabinets that a child should not open.
  • Keep knives and matches out of reach.
  • Keep plastic bags away from children.
  • Keep children away from hot drinks and stove tops.
  • When cooking on the stove, make sure that pot and pan handles are turned to the middle of the stove. Handles that hang over the edge of the stove may be reached by a curious toddler.
  • Keep toys with small parts out of the reach of infants and toddlers. This includes stuffed animals with buttons.
  • Avoid putting dangerous items in a waste basket where a young child might find them.
  • Keep toilet lids down.
  • Never leave infants and children unattended in a bathtub.
  • Check water temperature in a bath before placing a child in it.
  • Set the hot water heater thermostat to no more than 125°F.
  • When heating a baby bottle, always test the milk temperature to prevent burning your baby’s mouth.
  • Inspect playground equipment for signs of deterioration, weakness, and damage.
  • Teach children what to do if strangers approach them. Teach them at an early age that no one should touch private areas of the body.
  • Make sure children know their address as early as possible. Teach them to call 911 when in trouble.
  • Teach children to watch for cars on streets. They must stop, look both ways and listen for approaching traffic. Children must also be very aware of cars on driveways and in parking lots. Cars backing up cannot see small children.
  • Supervise young children at all times.

Summer Safety Tips – Household Safety

Another set of safety tips from Walgreens’ website.

HOUSEHOLD SAFETY

  • Wear protective footwear and eye wear when mowing the lawn, operating power tools, working with a chisel, or hammering metal on metal.
  • Keep tools away from children until they are old enough to use them properly.
  • All stairways should have a sturdy hand rail.
  • All entryways should have bright lighting.
  • Don’t leave objects on stairways. Make sure that carpet on stairways is securely fastened.
  • Unplug appliances (such as heating pads and electric blankets) when they are not in use.
  • In the bathroom, use non-slip floor mats. Put non-slip appliques on the bathtub.
  • Don’t use any electrical appliances when you are wet or in the bathtub, shower, or pool.
  • Make sure that each fireplace has a fire screen.
  • Keep guns locked up and unloaded. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately.
  • Make sure your house number is easily visible from the street.

Summer Safety Tips from Au Pair in America

 

As we roll into the summer season and some very hot weather, it is a good time to remind au pairs of some safety tips. Most of the country, including the Twin Cities, has to endure high temperatures at some point over the summer. Here are some common safety reminders:

  • Never leave a child unattended in a car, even with the windows rolled down.
  • Always lock the car when not in use so kids can’t play in it.
  • Always check the temperature of the car seat and seat belt before buckling a child in the car.
  • Don’t keep a baby in the infant carrier for long periods of time on hot days. It can feel much hotter in the seat than out of it.
  • Dress children in light=colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Everyone, children and adults, should drink a lot of water every day during the summer.
  • Reduce or eliminate strenuous activites during the hottest parts of the day. 

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY TIPS

  • An adult should be at arms’ length of (able to touch) any child under the age of 5 in a swimming pool.
  • Never leave any child alone in or near the water.
  • Keep a phone by the pool at all times.
  • Always check to be sure the gate is closed when leaving the pool area.
  • Host families should review their own home and pool safety rules with the au pair.
  • Don’t forget the sunscreen!