Unit Two Creating a Safe and Healthful Environment
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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
While outdoors, promote sun safety by
teaching the shadow rule. If the children cannot
see their shadows, they should seek shade or go
indoors. The children should also be encouraged
to wear hats and sunglasses designed to block UV
radiation. Protecting the eyes is important since
too much sun can cause cataracts. Wearing a hat
with a brim will help protect the eyes, face, ears,
and back of the neck.
Weather or Disaster Emergencies
Blizzards, hurricanes, fl oods, electrical
storms, tornadoes, and earthquakes are examples
of weather or disaster emergencies. All these
conditions pose safety threats for the children
and staff. Therefore, it is important to have an
emergency plan for possible weather or disaster
emergencies. The plans you formulate will
depend on the geographical area in which you
are located.
In areas where natural disasters occur more
often, evacuation drills should be practiced with
the children on a monthly basis. Evacuation
procedures need to become routine for the
children.
In some weather emergencies, you may decide
to close the school. You need to have a plan in
place for notifying parents of such an emergency.
Special arrangements may need to be made for
transporting the children.
Be prepared for weather emergencies. Always
keep a battery-operated radio and fl ashlights in a
convenient spot. For some weather emergencies,
blankets, water, food, and a fi rst aid kit should
also be available.
Poisonings
Studies show that children under fi ve years of
age account for almost two-thirds of poisonings
that occur each year. Nearly any substance can,
under certain conditions, be poisonous. The
National Safety Council claims that the average
residence contains over 40 poisonous products.
Figure 11.8 lists many of these poisonous
products.
Children eat many things adults would not
think of placing in their mouths. There may be
times when you are not sure whether a child has
eaten something. For instance, you see a child
playing with an empty aspirin bottle. The child
has powder around the mouth. When in doubt,
always assume the worst. If the child has eaten
the aspirin, failing to act may result in great
harm.
If you suspect that a child in your classroom
has eaten something poisonous, remain calm.
Telephone the nearest poison control center.
If your area does not have a poison control
center, call the nearest emergency room. Ask for
instructions on treating the child.
FOCUS ON HEALTH FOCUS ON HEALTH
Poison Proofing
The accidental poisoning of children can happen—
anywhere, any time—whether at home, at a child
care center, or at a family child care home. Vigilant
action is necessary to poison proof any area where
children are present. Here are some tips to prevent
accidental poisonings.
•
Store poisonous substances in their original
containers in locked storage. Make sure they are
not used in any way that will contaminate play
surfaces or food preparation areas. Always follow
the manufacturer’s directions when using any
product.
•
Store medications in a locked cabinet or room
and out of sight and reach of children. Make sure
medications are fitted with child-safety devices.
•
Store medications away from food and toxic
materials.
•
Refer to medication labels to ensure giving
children the proper dosage of necessary
medicines as prescribed by the health-care
professional.