Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Kidsafe update - Kidsafe WA’s monthly e-newsletter. As we rapidly approach Christmas and gear up for a period of celebrations, we reflect on the year that’s past. This year has been an extremely busy one with several changes as we continue to work towards our mission of “A Safer World for Kids”.

The ongoing support of our major funders: the Department of Health, SGIO, Britax , City Toyota and SDERA help us to continue to work towards this mission along with our the valued input of our members and partners. We look forward to bringing you more Kidsafe news in 2012.

Merry Christmas from everyone at Kidsafe WA.

Monthly Safety Tip - Make it a kid safe Summer!
Christmas celebrations, family trips and time off school make the summer holidays a fun and exciting time for children. Unfortunately, it is also a time when children are four times more likely to visit an Emergency Department with an injury.

Supported by the Department of Health, the summer component of Kidsafe WA’s Seasonal Safety Campaign focuses on Holiday Safety. To help keep holidays safe and fun, follow these tips for travel, toy, water and celebration safety:

* Follow the age recommendations when buying toys
* Ensure sure your child is appropriately restrained for their age &
   size when travelling in the car
* Create safe play areas away from moving vehicles
* If you have to leave the car, even to run a quick errand, take 
   your kids with you
* Always supervise children around water
* Don't neglect the supervision of children during family gatherings
   and holiday parties

For more information, visit www.kidsafewa.com.au/seasonalcampaign

What’s On - December/January
The Kidsafe WA office will be closed from 1pm Friday 23rd December and will reopen on Monday 9th January.

The Kidsafe WA staff & board hope you have a wonderful & safe
holiday season. We look forward to working with you again in 2012.

All child car restraint services will also resume on Monday 9th January. To make an appointment call us on (08) 9340 8509 or Contact Us.

Emerging Child Injury Issues - WARNING on Button Batteries
Are you aware of the risk posed to children who ingest button/disc batteries? Do you have remote controls, flashing toys or singing greeting cards in your home?

In the last five years approximately 100 children presented to
Princess Margaret Hospital Emergency Department as a result of ingesting button / disc batteries.

What is the risk?
Button batteries can become stuck in the oesophagus and become a choking hazard. Batteries that stay in the oesophagus for more than an hour begins to burn through the surrounding tissue. This can cause irreversible damage and scaring. Button batteries can be mistaken for coins in x-ray, leading to increased exposure.

Where are they found?
Button batteries can be found in a variety of products throughout the home, including: Watches,
Flashing Toys, Remote Controls, Toys, Hearing Aids, Games & Singing Greeting Cards.

Typically children’s toys have secured battery covers, however other products may have more easily accessible batteries. Be aware of these products and keep them away from young children.

When storing batteries away for recycling, make sure they are in a secure location such as a lockable drawer or container until they are ready to be taken for recycling.

To find out how you can reduce the risk download the Button Batteries Flyer 

New Arrivals at the Kidsafe Shop
Super Baby & Ted live in the make-believe town of Cotsville in Western Australia. Super baby and Ted keep an eye on all the children who live there, so they stay out of danger. At the same time, Super Baby reminds the 'big people' that adult supervision is needed AT ALL TIMES to prevent accidents and injuries, so their children are safe and happy.

This is a set of 6 books by Author Jennifer Bates as part of a Children’s Safety Series and is available to purchase for $29.95 from the Kidsafe Shop.

Become a Member
Do you know someone who would like to become a member of Kidsafe WA and help us to prevent childhood injuries and Make a Safer World for Kids?

As a member of Kidsafe Western Australia (Inc)* you will be helping to support the leading non-government, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to childhood injury prevention in Western Australia. “More children die from injury than from Cancer, Asthma & Infectious disease combined”. Each year over 15,000 children present at Princess Margaret Hospital Emergency Department as a result of injuries; the majority of these could have been prevented.

Download the Kidsafe WA membership form to become a member or to make a donation