Focus is on child safety

By Bridget Cook
OCTOBER is Community Safety Month and residents are being urged to take a pro-active approach to learning all they can and take action to prevent their children suffering unintentional injuries.
Community Safety Month is an opportunity for all local residents to get involved in activities that help reduce crime, violence, injuries and emergencies.
City of Casey mayor Shar Balmes said Community Safety Month provided an opportunity for the council to highlight some actions to reduce the likelihood of childhood injuries.
“The City of Casey is committed to providing support, information and education on child injury prevention in the home and within the community,” she said.
The council’s website has a wealth of information on injury prevention at home, in the car and on the roads and Cr Balmes is encouraging parents with young children to take a look at the ‘Safe Start’ resources.
Kidsafe president Doctor Mark Stokes said Australia was fortunate to have one of the best injury prevention programs in the world.
“Despite this, approximately four children a week in Australia die and around 180 children a day are admitted to hospitals as a result of injury,” he said.
“Some of these children will suffer permanent scarring or disability as a result of their injury.
“Injury remains the greatest cause of death of children in Australia between the ages of one and 14 years.”
There are a number of things that can reduce the chances of children suffering unintentional injuries. Along with parental supervision and good habits, appropriate and correctly-fitted safety products can help prevent injuries.
Some examples of products that are available to improve safety in the home are smoke alarms, first aid kits, door and stove barriers, lockable cabinets and power point covers. For more information visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/safestart.