Unit Two Creating a Safe and Healthful Environment 214 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 your geographical area. In areas where natural disasters occur often, evacuation drills should be practiced with the children monthly. 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. Some centers have a NOAA Weather Radio (NWR)—the fastest way to receive weather information from the National Weather Service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 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 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. Emergency Procedures for Poisonings Poisoning emergencies often involve swallowing toxic substances. Other types of FOCUS ON HEALTH FOCUS ON HEALTH Poison Proofing The accidental poisoning of children can happen— anywhere, anytime—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.