oklahoma school injury
Starting the School Year Safe
The start of the school year can be a blur of activities that include gathering classroom supplies, picking out new clothes, and getting ready for athletic practices. However, it’s crucial that all families make safety awareness and discussion part of their hectic schedules. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has offered some of the following guidelines on back to school safety.
- Make sure your kids’ coats, jackets and “hoodies” do not have long strings attached to any portion of the garment, top or bottom. The CPSC reported 26 instances of fatalities involving children when a drawstring became stuck in playground equipment, a school bus door and other objects. “New regulations specify that you shouldn’t be able to see more than 3 inches of the string when the clothes are stretched wide,” the agency notes.
- One of the most important accessories in your child’s back to school wardrobe should be a helmet if he or she rides a bike, scooter, skateboard or anything else with wheels to school. The helmet must fit snug and secure (it should not move around on the head), without being uncomfortable or obtrusive. Consult a professional bike shop for the right fit. Helmets that have adjustable back straps for tightness and customizable padding typically work well.