September 12, 2003 Is Your Child Safe at Home?Health department promotes drowning prevention

-

Baton Rouge --- Most parents know backyard pools can be a drowning hazard, but they forget bathtubs, buckets, toilets, hot tubs and spas can be just as dangerous.  Accidents involving these common household items cause the drowning deaths of approximately 115 children each year, in addition to the approximately 250 children per year who drown in household pools. 

The Department of Health --- Office of Public Health is participating in an information campaign designed to educate parents about how to prevent drowning accidents in the home. The campaign is part of a national effort that includes the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. and Babies “R” Us. 

“The information we are providing to the public helps us educate parents about how they can keep children safe and healthy,” said Secretary David W. Hood. “We often think our children are protected and cared for when at home with us but unfortunately, that is not always the case. We hope this campaign will remind all our citizens how important it is to keep children away from potentially dangerous household areas.” 

State health officials urge parents to be aware children can drown within seconds in only a few inches of water, so it is important to be vigilant in the home. Some simple tips parents can take to lessen a child’s risk of drowning include: 

For more information about the campaign or household safety tips, please visit www.cpsc.gov or the Office of Public Health Web site, http://www.oph.dhh.state.la.us.

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

Powered by Cicero Government