Safety Tips – Page 2 – CityScape Insurance

Car Seat Safety for a Happy Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us and for many, this means traveling to spend time with friends and family. Whether driving across the country or across town, make seat safety a priority for your family. Everyone can be thankful to arrive safely this Thanksgiving by following the most recent car seat requirements which are 71% effective in reducing fatal injury in children one and younger and 54% effective in reducing fatal injury to children ages one to four.

A child’s age doesn’t just determine whether they stay at the kids table or get a spot with the grown-ups. One of the first things to consider when evaluating car seat safety are the ages of the children in the vehicle. Car seat requirements vary based on the age and size of a child. For children ages newborn to two, seat safety means rear-facing in a properly installed car seat with a five-point harness. The rules for car seat safety change once a child reaches the age of two and has met the height and weight requirements outlined by their car seat’s manufacturer. At two they can be turned around to face forward. All the better to see those beautiful holiday decorations! To ensure the highest standard of child seat safety, review your owner’s manual to make certain your child is not outgrowing his or her car seat. If so, it is time to consider a seat with a higher weight limit since your child will be in this seat until age five.

Beginning at age five a child can transition to a booster seat. Arizona Revised Statutes §28-907 A and B require that children ages eight and under, and who are no taller than 4 foot 9 inches, need to remain in a safety seat or booster seat. Failure to do this correctly can result in fines ranging from $50-$250, which could really put a dent in your gift budget, or much worse. Thankfully, when it comes to child seat safety there are plenty of options to choose from that include booster seats with weight ranges over 100 pounds. For children twelve and under, the back seat with a proper seat belt is the safest place

Although the weather outside may be frightful, the inside of your car can be delightful. Delightfully safe, that is. Of course transporting your family safely doesn’t stop at proper car seat safety. It’s best to avoid driving in hazardous weather, always keep your attention on the road and don’t forget to take your time. Sing your favorite holiday songs with your little ones and keep the holiday season merry and bright.

Fire Safety Awareness

Did you know residential fires are a primary cause of property damage and injury in the United States today?

According to the National Fire Prevention Association or NFPA, 78% of all fire related deaths occur in residential homes. Below are some fire safety awareness tips that will help keep your family and home safe.

Most residential fires occur in the kitchen. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are cooking to reduce your risk of fire:

Never Leave Cooking Food Unattended
Always Watch Food While Frying
Avoid Placing Flammable Items Too Close To The Stove
Don’t Cook While Drinking Alcohol
Keep A Fire Extinguisher On Hand At All Times
Never Pour Water On A Grease Fire
Always Watch Children Around Cooking Food

Smoking is another common source of accidental fires at home. If you smoke always keep these tips in mind:

Never Smoke Indoors
Don’t Smoke While Drinking Alcohol
Avoid Smoking While Taking Medication That Causes Drowsiness
Don’t Smoke If You Have Oxygen Tanks Inside Your Home

If you have a fireplace, you must inspect it before using it every winter. This will ensure no hidden dangers exist. Always check for:

Birds Nests In The Chimney
Build-Up Of Black Creosote Inside Your Chimney
Warped Metal Around The Damper

Most appliances we use everyday need electricity to work. This increases the risk of fire. To reduce your fire risk remember the following tips:

Don’t Overload Your Electrical Circuits
Avoid Using Extension Cords For Long Periods Of Time
Be Sure Your Electrical Cords Are Not Frayed
Call An Electrician To Check Abnormal Electrical Activity
Never Leave Christmas Lights On Overnight

Inspecting your home every few months is key to reducing the likelihood of residential fires. Most home fires are preventable and it is well worth the extra effort it takes to inspect your home for potential hazards. Check all the smoke detectors in your home for batteries that need to be replaced and to ensure they all work.