ThinkFirst Missouri

ThinkFirst Missouri Safety Advocacy and Injury Prevention program in Columbia, Missouri. Affiliated with University of Missouri/Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital.

So far this year, 18 children have died in hot cars. Most parents and caregivers believe it could never happen to them, ...
09/03/2026

So far this year, 18 children have died in hot cars. Most parents and caregivers believe it could never happen to them, but in most cases, the child is left behind unknowingly. Summer ending and kids heading back-to-school can bring changes to family routines, which can increase the risk. If someone else is doing drop-off or your schedule shifts, it's important to have reminders in place. Make a plan with your daycare so they’ll call you if your child hasn’t arrived within a few minutes. That simple step could save a life.

When you see flashing lights on the roadside, slow down and MOVE OVER! 🚨
09/02/2026

When you see flashing lights on the roadside, slow down and MOVE OVER! 🚨

With the school year beginning, it’s a great time to reinforce safe walking habits. 🚸 Teach children to look left, right...
09/01/2026

With the school year beginning, it’s a great time to reinforce safe walking habits.
🚸 Teach children to look left, right, and left again and to keep watching as they cross.
📵 Encourage “heads up, phones down” to avoid distractions.
🚶‍♀️‍➡️ Always use sidewalks and crosswalks, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.
🚗 Remind kids to stay alert for turning or backing vehicles and to never run into the road or cross between parked cars.
👧 Children under 10 should always cross with an adult.
🔦 When it’s dark, help them stay visible with bright or reflective clothing.
Let’s all stay alert, model safe habits, and work together to keep every child safe on their walk to and from school. Did you know? Males account for more than 6 in 10 fatal pedestrian injuries among children.
Check out our Fast Facts on Pedestrian Safety: https://www.safekids.org/.../fast_facts_-_2025...

As we prepare for , it's crucial to remember that school readiness isn't just about having the right supplies; it's als...
08/31/2026

As we prepare for , it's crucial to remember that school readiness isn't just about having the right supplies; it's also about mental and behavioral health. Help and resources are available to support kids and families’ wellbeing: samhsa.gov/find-help

Air bags 🤝 Seat beltsA match made in...safety! Seat belts and air bags are a team. Help them work together and Buckle Up...
08/30/2026

Air bags 🤝 Seat belts
A match made in...safety! Seat belts and air bags are a team. Help them work together and Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.

Water safety starts with understanding the risks of water activities, knowing your limits, and making good choices.
08/29/2026

Water safety starts with understanding the risks of water activities, knowing your limits, and making good choices.

Health + Safety = Stay Cool. Stay Safe. Beat the Heat!Simple steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. Act Early. Stay Sa...
08/28/2026

Health + Safety = Stay Cool. Stay Safe. Beat the Heat!
Simple steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. Act Early. Stay Safe.
Know the Signs Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms include:
* heavy sweating
* weakness
* cold/pale/clammy skin
* fast/weak pulse
* nausea
* vomiting
* fainting
Heat Stroke Symptoms include:
* high body temperature (103°F or higher)
* hot/red/dry or damp skin
* rapid and strong pulse
* headache
* dizziness
* nausea
* confusion
* losing consciousness
Heat-Related Illness Prevention Tips
✴️ Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
✴️ Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
✴️ Limit Outdoor Activity: Stay outdoors during the cooler parts of the day.
✴️ Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours.
✴️ Seek Shade: Take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned buildings.
✴️ Never Leave People or Pets in Cars: Vehicles can heat up quickly to dangerous temperatures.
What to Do in An Emergency
For Heat Exhaustion
* Move to a cooler location
* Lie down and loosen clothing
* Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible
* Sip water
* Seek medical attention if vomiting occurs or if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour
For Heat Stroke
* Call 911 immediately
* Move the person to a cooler environment
* Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
* Do not give the person anything to drink
During heat waves, remember to check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors.
The elderly, infants and young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and outdoor workers are most vulnerable to heat.
Missouri Beginning Farmers & Ranchers Program

As back-to-school season starts, daily routines change fast — drop-offs, new routes and busy mornings. Routine changes a...
08/27/2026

As back-to-school season starts, daily routines change fast — drop-offs, new routes and busy mornings. Routine changes are the #1 cause for kids forgotten in a hot car.
Make these habits automatic:
⚫ Place an important item in the back seat.
⚫ Once You Park, Stop. Look. Lock.
⚫ Keep your car locked and keys out of a child's reach.

No matter where your kids are riding, they should always be safe. Make sure that carpool drivers or caregivers are keepi...
08/26/2026

No matter where your kids are riding, they should always be safe. Make sure that carpool drivers or caregivers are keeping kids safe in the car every ride, every time.

See an emergency or hazard at a railroad crossing? Find the Blue and White Emergency Notification System sign.Call the n...
08/25/2026

See an emergency or hazard at a railroad crossing? Find the Blue and White Emergency Notification System sign.
Call the number on the sign and provide the crossing ID so the railroad knows the exact location. No sign? Call 911.
Find the Blue and White sign. Make the call.

Address

Columbia, MO
65202

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15738822372

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