Chapter 11 Promoting Children’s Safety Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 213 Take roll as soon as the children and staff have cleared the building and have reached the planned meeting areas. When fi refi ghters arrive, inform the chief whether anyone is still in the building. When making evacuation plans, remember that infants cannot walk and are therefore more diffi cult to remove than older children. Most adults cannot carry more than two infants at one time. Therefore, when ratios are higher than one caregiver to two infants, a careful plan needs to be made. Some centers practice by placing several babies in special evacuation cribs and rolling them out of the building. Wagons can be used for evacuating older children. Plan and introduce fi re and burn prevention into the curriculum, if developmentally appropriate. Remind the children to tell staff right away if they smell smoke. Explain that in a fi re, clean air is near the fl oor. By crawling close to the ground, it will be easier to breathe. Teach the children what to do if their clothing catches fi re. Encourage parents to practice fi re drills at home. Figure 11.7 shows the stop, drop, and roll technique. Also, share books about fi re safety and fi refi ghters. Since fi refi ghters could be frightening to young children, invite one to come to the center. Encourage the fi refi ghter to show the children his or her clothing and equipment. Sun Safety The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays cause harm. The result can be skin damage, eye damage, and even cancer. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. During these hours, the children’s exposure should be limited as it is the most damaging. Before going outside, always check the UV index. Daily newspapers often provide this information on the weather page. Otherwise, check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website. Early childhood teachers need to teach children sun safety precautions. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply generously wherever the skin is showing. Reapply every two hours if the children remain outdoors. Also reapply sunscreen after water play for maximum protection. Avoid using sunscreens on infants younger than 6 months. A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen may be applied to infants and toddlers older than 6 months. Apply where skin is showing. Check the label. Some sunscreens are made for infants and toddlers, and may cause less irritation to sensitive skin. Figure 11.7 If clothing catches fire, the stop, drop, and roll technique should be used. 1. STOP: Do not move. Stop where you are. 2. DROP: Drop to your knees. 3. ROLL: Cover your face with your hands, and then roll over and over to smother the flames.