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Be Safe…Not Sorry

   Written by on October 24, 2013 at 11:14 am

Specific months of the year are designated to draw attention to and make us aware of certain important issues. We have recently been reminded of fire safety and breast cancer awareness. When thinking about what I would write about this week having to do with preschoolers from birth to five years old, I dismissed the two subjects mentioned above.

logo-wee-notesI’ve written about the importance of fire safety and certainly we don’t think of breast cancer risks with the youngest in our society. However, the more I thought about these two issues, the more I was able to justify writing yet again about fire safety guidelines and about the importance of it for parents, especially mothers.

This is certainly not a comprehensive list of things you and your family can do to make your home as safe as possible from fire, but are extremely important in reducing the risk:

Install smoke alarms on all levels and near sleeping areas.

Check each battery monthly and replace yearly.

Install a fire extinguisher for small fires.

Talk with your partner about who will collect young children so you don’t both

attempt to rescue the same child while another is left behind.

Try to have two escape routes from each room.

Decide on a meeting place outside so you immediately know everyone is safe.

Teach older preschoolers to never hide from a fireman.

Should a fire occur:

Don’t panic – escape can depend on clear thinking.

Gather young children, the elderly, and infirm quickly.

Never open a door without feeling to see if it is hot.

Stay close to the floor… “Low and Go”.

If possible, grab a wet cloth and breathe through it with short, shallow breaths.

Keep doors and windows closed except for escape.

Once outside, meet at your predetermined meeting place immediately.

Call your fire department once you are outside (have the number handy in or on your telephone) and give your name and address.

Never re-enter a burning building.

Both females and males can develop breast cancer, so respond immediately to changes in breast tissue. Men with risk factors should consult with a health care provider to learn when/if he should be screened. Women 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years. At age 40 and older, women should have a mammogram yearly.

Learn what is normal for you and pay attention to changes in your breasts. Make healthy lifestyle choices: Watch your weight, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, limit menopausal hormone use (Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT), and breastfeed if you can. God bless each of you. Love your wee one by staying safe and healthy.

© 2013 Brenda Holland-Robinson

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