Homes in wooded areas or in the wildland/urban interface are at special risk for wildfire. The article provides a checklist of what to keep on hand to make homes safer from wildfire, focusing on vegetation around the home and maintenance of the yard and home. (SM)

Parents can take an active role in preventing children's injuries by educating themselves about playground safety. The article suggests that parents make a playground safety check; be sure the equipment is suitable for the age group in question; supervise appropriately; and know each child's capabilities. (SM)

Discusses the importance of home fire escape drills, detailing fire safety plans. Early detection and warning (smoke detectors) coupled with well-rehearsed escape plans help prevent serious injury. Children need to be taught about fire safety beginning at a very early age. (SM)

Provides suggestions to help parents select safe toys for children under five years, including assess breakability; investigate flammability; avoid electrical toys; avoid toys with sharp edges; watch for toys that might pinch; avoid small pieces; consider sound and vision; and think about appropriate themes. (SM)

Noting that accidents are the leading cause of death among infants and children today, this book provides comprehensive guideline for preparing a safe home and caregiving environment for children from birth to around 3 years of age. Following an introduction, the chapters are organized by rooms of a house, with topics listed alphabetically within…

A checklist/safety quiz from the National Fire Protection Association examines individual knowledge of how to escape if a home fire breaks out. The organization recommends that every household develop a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. (SM)

Suggestions to help parents keep their children safe from injury include learn first aid; child-proof the home; use carseats and safety belts; lock up medications, toxic materials, sharp instruments, and guns; block off stairways; install smoke alarms; insist on bike helmets; and put safety plugs in electric sockets. (SM)

These "letters for parents" offer information about becoming a parent and the characteristics of preschool children. The first letter focuses on the transition to parenthood, bonding and attachment, and the infant's temperament. The second letter describes 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds and offers advice about practicing safety. (RH)

Though most art materials are safe for children (and labelled accordingly), parents and teachers should follow recommended safety guidelines, such as those presented in this article, when choosing, using, and storing children's art materials. (SM)

This booklet outlines a comprehensive fire and burn injury prevention program which includes an instructor's manual, a videotape, and a test: the video provides additional information and examples of injury prevention techniques, and the test measures the amount of knowledge acquired. Following an introduction, the prevalence and extent of burn…

Injury is the leading health problem of children in the United States, though many of the injuries and deaths are predictable and preventable. The article presents a list of things parents can do to keep their children safe. (SM)

There is a high rate of children's injuries on America's playgrounds. This report examines this issue and provides guidance on how to make playgrounds safer and more fun for children, and procedures for performing an initial analysis of the safety of a local playground using a playground safety checklist. Additionally, it provides a step-by-step…

A collection of suggestions for making camping trips safe for children and their families focus on hiking safety, water safety, poison prevention; and cooking safety (campfires, portable stoves, and food tips). (SM)

Playground safety in Australia has evolved from being an issue for parents, teachers, city engineers, and other generalists to an issue for specialists. This paper takes the position that the general community must become involved in playground planning, renovation, and maintenance. After presenting statistics on playground settings and playground…

The United States has a higher child mortality rate than most other industrialized countries, but most childhood injuries, although called "accidents," are the result of predictable and preventable behavior. This book demonstrates how teachers, parents, and caregivers can provide and maintain safe environments while teaching children how to avoid…