Friday, April 27, 2012

Stay Out of the Hot Seat!

Summer will soon be upon us, and with the warmer weather comes the enduring effect of heat inside of cars becoming blisteringly hot and potentially even lethal. Often, even on days that seem mild, the interior of a car can reach extreme heats, causing shock and failure of circulation to vital organs.

May 1st – 7th is National Summer Safety Week and the Canada Safety Council encourages all Canadians to ensure the safety of their families and themselves when dealing with hot cars. Fatalities in the summer due to vehicular heat are too frequent, particularly among small children, and can be prevented.

According to KidsAndCars.org, between 1990 and 2010, there were at least 606 vehicular heat stroke fatalities among children and youth aged 15 and younger in the United States. Data in Canada is not readily available.

Temperatures inside the confined space of a car can climb so quickly that a child?s internal temperature regulation is overwhelmed and sent into shock. In fact, heat levels in a car exposed to the sun on a 35 C (95 F) day can soar to 50 C (122 F) within 20 minutes. Heat stroke, meanwhile, occurs at 40.5 C (105 F). When the body’s core hits this state, their sweat reserves are depleted and a person is no longer able to cool their internal temperature. At this point, the body’s core temperature shoots even higher, resulting anywhere from severe organ damage to death.

Most of these incidents can be prevented. Many parents and caregivers are not aware of the risks inherent in leaving children in their vehicles, and carelessness can be a common occurrence as the weather gets warmer. Whether children are left in the vehicle for ‘just a minute’ with a window left open, or forgotten because they are sleeping or lying down, stationary cars in direct or even indirect sunlight can become severe hazards if the proper safety measures are not taken.

Fatalities can be a result of a child entering an unlocked vehicle, and not necessarily the product of parental absent-mindedness. Car owners should remember to always keep their vehicle doors and trunk locked at all times when it is in a garage, a driveway or left unattended. By eliminating the car as a potential play area for children, the odds of being affected by a hot car reduce significantly.
Canada Safety Council wishes you a safe and pleasant summer!


For more information, please contact:
Lewis Smith
Communications and Media Coordinator
(613) 739-1535 (ext. 228)


For more information contact:
Lewis Smith
Communications and Media Coordinator
Canada Safety Council
Phone: 6137391535 x228
Email: lewis.smith@safety-council.org
Website: www.canadasafetycouncil.org

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Children's Birthday Party Tips

Birthday Party Bash
Image via Wikipedia
The ideas for decorating children's parties can be infinite, but we recommend some basic steps that all the little dazzled attendees:

Welcome Signs

A symbol of welcome in the garden or at the door of the house is a good way to start the party. Combine it with the theme and colors of the party, for example, for a party whose theme is the construction, you can write: "Caution: Men at Work" in black on a yellow background. For a luau party, draw garlands of orange, yellow and pink around the planet, "Aloha". A party themed on space could have a welcome sign that says "To infinity and beyond".

With a little imagination, a symbol made at home can be better than one bought, because you will have the customization and freshness that only you can give.

Balloons

Balloons are a must in any children's party. They are inexpensive, colorful, and worshiped by all children. Choose a color balloons that complements the theme you have chosen for the celebration: two shades of green for a jungle party, orange and black for a day of witches, yellow and black construction for a party ...

If the ideas for decorating children's parties are endless, those relating to the balloons either. A few filled with helium can be stacked (as a cluster) and anchored in the middle of the party table as a centerpiece, or attached to a neon sign in the center of the room. It is also good to tie the chair entertained a larger balloon, bearing the name and by whose colors are related to the general theme of the party.

 
On the other hand, a good way to direct guests to the party area is through an arch or a row of balloons. Simply helium balloons tied with a ribbon of about 30 centimeters and secure them to the ground, on both sides of the door.

You can also tie some balloons to the mailbox or any other place in the driveway, so that guests can easily locate the party. Make sure you have enough balloons to give to each of the children invited as they leave the party.

Crepe paper

The crepe paper decoration is another way to easily and inexpensively. Ata four five pieces from the center of the room light extending to the corners and walls. Braid the strips of crepe paper as you go and secure it with tape or glue.

Table decorations

English: Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine ...
Image via Wikipedia
If you're looking for ideas for decorating children's parties, table decoration is usually the handiest item, plates and cups can find almost any theme. However, customizing your party table with some homemade accessories will give the celebration a personal touch. Start with a tablecloth designed especially for the occasion. Cut a piece of paper and let your child decorate it with markers begins, paintings, magazine clippings and paper figures. Let your imagination!

Then cover the creation of your child with a plastic tablecloth, so that pictures can be appreciated by all, without staining of drink or food splashes.

You can also use a toy or some of your son as a centerpiece, of course in relation to the theme of the party.

Cut several pieces of different lengths of tape and put them on the table around the center. Add some sparks of confetti to complete the effect.
 
Halloween Costumes 1980
Image by Abby Cadaver via Flickr

Costumes

You probably think that costumes are not pieces of decoration, but in fact they are. It's fun, for children and for the host, dress according to the same subject, even if the costume consists only in a hat or a pair of glasses funny.





Following these simple ideas for decorating children's parties, see how everyone will remember your childhood celebrations. And the faces of happy children is the greatest reward.