Keep Your Child Safe
Summer’s here. It’s a time for new school terms, weekend getaways, memorable road trips and lazy days outdoors. It’s also a time to be extra careful aware of just how easy it is for a child to get injured or killed due to easily preventable accidents.
Childhood injury in South Africa is an unrelenting problem, because 12 children die of road traffic crashes, drowning, burns, poisoning, violence and other physical hazards in their environment, on a daily basis. An accident can happen so quickly, so make responsible decisions. Read further to see how Woolies helps you keep your child safe:
Child Safe Organization:
ON THE ROAD
South Africa has one of the highest pedestrian fatality figures worldwide. Our selected school bags, shoes, raincoats and jackets have been fitted with reflective strips for visibility in poor lighting conditions. So you’ll have one less thing to worry about when your child is out and about. Also remember to always buckle your child when travelling in a car, even if the distance is short, check things like brakes and tyres regularly, and teach your child road safety from an early age.
Be Road Safe:
AT HOME
Most childhood injuries (about 80%) happen at home, so be extra vigilant with electric cords, hot water, cleaning liquids and slippery floors. A special print technique applied under the feet of selected babygrows, kiddies’ socks and school shoes will prevent your child slipping on smooth surfaces while standing. Be sure to store hazardous liquids, like bleach and turpentine, high and out of reach, and add child safety locks to cupboards.
Be Safe Around Appliances:
IN OR NEAR WATER
Drowning is the second biggest cause of accidental death among young children. Kids can drown within 30 seconds, in just 4cm of water. So, empty baths after use, and always cover buckets of water with a secure lid and keep out of reach. Pools should always have fencing around them, as well as a solid pool cover. Keep pot plants (that kids can climb onto) away from pool fences. Teach children to swim as young as possible, including floating and treading water. Always supervise them constantly – whether they’re able to swim or not. A child should never swim alone, even when wearing floating aids like inflatable armbands. Don’t allow boisterous play in or near water, such as riding bicycles or running.
The sun can also cause damage. Our UV swimsuits are also made from fabric that blocks out more than 98% of harmful UV rays. Always remember, you’re bigger, be the adult.
Be Water Safe: