McLEOD SAFE KIDS 11 JANUARY 2012

(1/11/12) – Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal, led by McLeod Health, will host a variety of child safety events during the coming weeks.

Third Thursday with Kohl’s Child Safety Seat Check

Safe Kids will offer a Third Thursday with Kohl’s Child Safety Seat Check Thursday, January 19, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the Florence Kohl’s parking lot. This child safety seat check is held the third Thursday of each month at this same time and location.

Safe Kids certified child safety seat technicians will check installation of child safety seats, correct those in need, and educate on proper installation and use. Participants should have both child safety seat and child present. Expecting parents, please bring seat.

Each child safety seat technician follows a child passenger safety checklist of child safety seat qualifications to ensure the safety of your child. The technician will determine if a new child safety seat is needed. If so, 1 per car is available while supplies last. Child safety seats are funded by Kohl’s Cares for Kids. In the case of rain, the event will be cancelled.

Child Safety Seat Check at CiCi’s Pizza

Additionally, Safe Kids will also offer a child safety seat check at the Florence CiCi’s Pizza on Thursday, February 2, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. There, Safe Kids certified child safety seat technicians will check installation of child safety seats, correct those in need, and educate on proper installation and use. Participants should have both child safety seat and child present. Expecting parents, please bring seat.

CiCi’s Pizza will be offering a coupon for a child to eat free at CiCi’s Pizza to those families who choose to have their safety seat checked. One coupon is available per car. CiCi’s Pizza is located at 1945 West Palmetto Street in Florence.

These safety seat checks are open to all who are interested.

Safe Kids at Kids Jamboree

Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal will also be at Kids Jamboree at the Florence Civic Center Saturday, January 28, from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, January 29, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. There, Safe Kids will be offering Photo Identification cards for children.

In addition to the child’s picture, the ID cards will also list the child’s name, date of birth, height and weight, eye and hair color, any medical conditions the child may have, as well as the child’s thumbprints. The cost of the card is $5.00 for one, or $20.00 for five.

These cards can be a valuable tool for law enforcement in the case that a child is missing. The parent can give the card to authorities so that they have the child’s information immediately. The cards are also useful if the child has a medical condition or reaction that may need immediate attention.

Safe Kids will also offer Operation Medicine Drop at Kids Jamboree. Operation Medicine Drop allows for safe disposal of unused or expired over-the counter and prescription medications with local law enforcement. Participants are encouraged to bring their unused or expired prescription medications at this time. Drugs are often left unsecured in cabinets and on counters in the home, and unintentional poisoning deaths and injuries are increasing nationwide.

Additionally, medicines that are flushed down the drain are turning up in rivers, lakes, streams, and wells. Scientists who test waterways have found more than 100 different drugs in surface waters, including acetaminophen, codeine, antibiotics, anti-psychotics.

Those who participate in Operation Medicine Drop at Kids Jamboree will receive a free child’s ID card.

For more information on any of these events, please call Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal at (843) 777 – 5021.

Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal, led by McLeod Health, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading cause of death in children 14 and under. Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal, led by McLeod Health, is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal led by McLeod Health is funded in part by the McLeod Health Foundation.