Image demonstrating Family Life Today: where’s the risk highlighted as part of Child Safety Week

Family Life Today: where’s the risk highlighted as part of Child Safety Week

The risks that lead to children being injured are to be highlighted by Northumberland County Council and partners during National Child Safety Week.

This year’s Child Safety Week runs from Monday 3rd June to Sunday 9th June 2019. The theme this year is ‘Family life today: where’s the risk?’ in our modern lifestyles, highlighting the dangers facing families today and offering simple solutions to keep children safe.  

Child Safety Week is an annual event run by Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) to raise awareness of the risks of child accidents and how they can be prevented.

Northumberland County Council will be raising awareness of the risks and educating  families at a drop in event which is taking place at Manor Walks on Tuesday 4th June.  On hand to answer questions on the day will be staff from Integrated Wellbeing Service, Childrens Centres, Animal Welfare/dog safety and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service.

Modern dangers include button batteries which can kill when swallowed, washing capsules that can poison, and nappy sacks left lying around that can suffocate babies.  When out and about dangers can include distractions caused by using devices when driving or even walking near busy roads.  Young children can also be at risk from hot drink scalds at home or in a busy coffee shop.  

According to CAPT accidents are a leading cause of death, serious injury and acquired disability for children and young people in the UK.  They account for three deaths every week and over 2,000 hospital admissions.  

Northumberland County Councillor, Veronica Jones, cabinet member for adult wellbeing and  health said: “Child Safety Week is a great initiative which helps educate parents to understand the risks and simple steps they can take to prevent accidents from happening.”

Yvonne Hush from Northumberland County Council’s public health team said: “High death rates and the largest number of emergency hospital admissions in the under fives are caused by choking, falls from furniture, tap water scalds, burns from foods and hot liquids and poisoning from medicines.

“During Child Safety week we will be raising awareness of the simple steps people can take. Parents can come along and ask us any questions at Manor Walks in Cramlington on the 4th June from 10 am until 3pm”.  
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