Safe Kids Connecticut

08/21/2026

Anyone in the back? 👀

A simple reminder can make all the difference. Try one of these habits every time you travel with a child:

👠 Place a shoe in the back seat when you buckle your child in.
🔑 Leave an essential item like your keys, purse, work badge, or phone in the backseat so you'll always check before you leave the car.

The best reminder is the one you'll use every time. Find a routine that works for you and make it a habit.

08/20/2026

🎒🚸 Back-to-School Safety Tips for Parents! 🚸🎒
School bells are ringing, and it’s time to get back into the swing of things! As your kids head out the door, here are a few simple reminders to help keep them safe:
🛑 Crosswalk Caution: Remind kids to look both ways before crossing the street—and always use crosswalks or school patrols.
🎒 Backpack Check: Keep backpacks light and properly fitted to avoid strain and injury.
🚌 Bus Safety: Teach children to wait safely away from the curb and to follow the driver’s instructions at all times.
📱 Limit Distractions: No texting while walking! Teach kids to keep their heads up and phones down, especially near traffic.
👫 Stranger Awareness: Practice safe boundaries and have a plan if someone unfamiliar approaches.
Let’s make this school year a safe, strong start for every student! ✏️🍎

Find more tips here!

As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, remember these key tips to help keep kids safe and healthy.

08/19/2026

“Just a sec!” can be deadly.

Any amount of time in a hot car is dangerous for a baby. The best thing you can do is bring your baby everywhere with you.

08/17/2026

While it's never easy to disturb a sleeping baby, please remember that infants and toddlers should never be left alone in a car. Even if your child is sleeping peacefully, they should be removed from the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

Cars can heat up quickly, even on cool days, and that heat can be deadly for children. A child's body temperature can rise much faster than an adult's, putting them at risk for heatstroke and death. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.

And remember, car seats are designed for travel. When you arrive at your destination, move your child to a safe, firm, flat sleep surface.

Read this report from Consumer Reports for more dos and don'ts when it comes to kids and car seats https://ow.ly/1XXo50ZAySY

08/17/2026

⚡ E-Scooter Safety Tips ⚡
There has been a recent rise in e-scooter injuries in our state. Though e-scooters are a fun way to get around, parents of young children should think twice before letting their child ride one. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that due to the difficulty of balancing and steering, children 9-12 should not ride on anything motorized that goes faster than 10 mph. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that children under 16 not operate electric scooters due to the lack of developmental skills and judgment to do so safely. If you feel your child has the physical and mental ability to operate an e-scooter safely, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
• Wear a Helmet: Most head injuries happen to children not wearing a helmet. Choose the right helmet for the speed of the device, and wear it every time.
• Other safety gear: Riders should also wear elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards, as they protect the areas commonly injured in a fall. Wear closed toe footwear to protect feet. High-visibility or reflective gear and lights should be worn at night.
• Ride in a safe area: Find areas where kids can ride safely and separately from cars. When that isn’t an option, try to identify where they can at least ride with minimal traffic and bumps in the road. Always ensure a rider is supervised by an adult, particularly near intersections or busy areas.
• Practice riding: Ensure your rider knows how to use an electric scooter properly. Practice braking smoothly and consistently at high speeds. Teach them basic traffic rules (stop signs, hand signals) so they can communicate safely when riding. Never allow riders to ride double on a device designed for a single rider.

08/13/2026

Don’t forget to lock your car. The inside of a car can become too hot to bear faster than you may think. 🔑

Leaving the car unlocked may lead to a child getting in and getting stuck.🚗

Prevent the danger before it happens.

08/13/2026

August is Clear the Shelters Month! Pets can be a great addition to any family. But before adopting a pet, brush up on important safety tips to keep your child, and your new pet, safe.

✅ Teach Gentle Touch: Show kids how to gently pet and interact with animals. No tail-pulling or rough play!
✅ Supervise Always: Never leave young children alone with pets—even the friendliest animals can get startled.
✅ Safe Spaces: Make sure your pet has a quiet place to retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
✅ No Sharing Food: Keep kids and pets from sharing snacks—some human foods can be dangerous for animals!
✅ Vaccinate & Vet Visits: Keep your pet up to date on vaccinations and check-ups to protect both your pet and your family.
A loving home is a safe home—for two legs and four. 💛

Clear the Shelters

08/11/2026

A five minute errand may feel quick to you, but inside a hot car, it’s long enough to be lethal.

Never leave a child alone in a vehicle.

08/07/2026

As summer temperatures continue to rise, remember to always look before you lock.

This simple habit can save a life.

08/06/2026

Are you a parent with questions about e-scooter safety? Check this out!

Roger speaks with Amy Watkins, Manager of CT Children’s Injury Prev...