Safe Kids Montana led by CHA

10/29/2026

Know a Healthcare Hero? Nominations Are Open! - https://mailchi.mp/6604da985043/sept-13915397

10/23/2026

Between candy buckets, visiting relatives and busy kitchens, October and November get hectic, and curious little hands find everything. 🍬

Here’s a number worth saving in your phone right now: 800-222-1222.

That’s the national Poison Help line, and it connects Montana families with poison experts. It’s free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call for questions big and small, like “Is this poisonous?” or “My toddler just swallowed something.” No judgment, just fast, helpful answers. 💙

A few things to keep in mind this season:
✅ Keep medications, vitamins and any cannabis products or edibles up and away, out of sight and reach.
✅ Check candy before kids dig in, especially for homemade treats from people you don’t know, open packaging, and anything that you are unsure about.
✅ Save the number in your phone and post it on the fridge so the babysitter and grandparents have it too.

Go ahead and save it now! 📱

10/17/2026

Halloween is around the corner, and it's one of the most fun nights of the year for a lot of kids! 🎃 Research shows more kids are out on foot on Halloween evening than on almost any other night, which means it’s also a great night for a simple habit that helps everyone see each other:

✨ Add some glow!

A flashlight, glow stick, or strip of reflective tape on costumes and treat bags helps drivers spot your little ghosts and goblins from farther away, and it makes them easy to find in a crowd of other little ghosts and goblins, too. 😄

Many families are already finding ways to be seen on Halloween, and we love seeing the glow-in-the-dark parade every year. 💙

What’s your family’s favorite glow-in-the-dark costume add-on? Tell us below! 👇

09/23/2026

🚨Recall alert! 🚨

You can stay up-to-date on all kid-related recalls by signing up to receive emails at www.safekids.org/product-recalls.

: Melissa & Doug Recalls Fire Truck Activity Board Toys; The fire hose port can come loose and detach, posing a risk of serious injury from choking hazard. Get refund or replacement.

The firm has received 26 reports of the small port coming loose on the product. The Firm has also received one report of a minor cut.

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Melissa-and-Doug-Recalls-Fire-Truck-Activity-Board-Toys-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-from-Choking-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Target

09/18/2026

Fall sports season is officially back! 🏈 This fall, we can keep our young athletes injury-free with a few smart habits built into practice and play.

🚶‍♂️Warm up before every practice and game — a few minutes of dynamic stretching goes a long way toward preventing strains and sprains.

💧Stay on top of hydration, with regular water breaks built into the schedule rather than left to chance.

🏒Use properly fitted gear — from cleats to protective pads to helmets — checked at the start of the season and again partway through.

🗣Speak up early if something feels off — a headache, dizziness, or lingering soreness reported right away helps young athletes recover faster and get back to the game safely.

Whether your athlete is playing soccer, football, or running cross country, we hope their season is injury-free!

09/16/2026

Are you and your kids biking to school this year? 🚲

A properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of a serious head injury. Families who make helmets a habit give their kids one of the most effective protections available on every ride.

Here are a few habits we can build into our families' biking routine:
✅Wear a properly fitted helmet — it's the single best way to prevent head injuries and worse.
✅When biking on the road, ride with the flow of traffic, as far to the right as safely possible.
✅Use hand signals and ride predictably so drivers always know what's next.
✅Be bright and visible, especially in early morning or evening light — bright colors, lights, and reflectors go a long way.
✅Ride together until kids are ready to ride solo — it's a great way to build the habit as a family.

Learn more at safekids.org/bike.

09/14/2026

New parents, seasoned pros, and everyone in between — September is all about protecting the littlest members of our families as we recognize ! 👶

Baby Safety Month is a great reminder that keeping little ones safe touches every part of the day — from how they sleep, to bath time, to every ride in the car. Caregivers who build a few key habits into their routines are giving their babies protection that lasts well beyond September: safe sleep practices to support safe nights, staying within arm's reach during bath time, and using a correctly installed, properly sized car seat for every ride.

Visit safekids.org to learn more about safe sleep spaces, bath time safety, or where to get your car seat checked by a certified technician. 🛁🚗

09/09/2026

Friendly reminder for all of us as drivers during the busy back-to-school season! 🚌

Here are a few other school bus traffic laws to keep in mind:

🔴When you see the amber/yellow flashing lights, slow down. When the lights are flashing red, stop 30 feet from the bus.

🔴When a school bus is stopped at a four-way intersection, drivers may not turn left, turn right, or pass the school bus.

🔴When the stop arm on a school bus is extended and there is a raised median, all traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.

🔴 When the stop arm on a school bus is extended on a non-divided highway or two-lane road, traffic traveling all directions must stop.

Keep our kids safe. While driving, stop at least 30 feet from school buses when red lights are flashing.

09/09/2026

September is ! 🩵

We can all take a few minutes this month to double-check our children's car seats for correct installation. When used correctly, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers — one of the most protective habits a family can build.

Need a little help? Find a free car seat check-up near you at events.safekids.org/ — certified technicians are ready to help make sure your seat is the right one, installed the right way, for your child's age and size. 🚗

02/26/2026

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but having trusted information at your fingertips can make all the difference. 💙

Safe Kids Montana can connect families with expert-backed guidance on everything from car seats and safe sleep to water safety and preventing injuries at home. These resources help parents and grandparents make confident, informed decisions every day—whether you’re preparing for a new baby, guiding toddlers, or supporting school-age children.

Take a few minutes today to explore the safety resources on our website and bookmark them for when you need them most. Visit communityhealthwmt.org/safe-kids-montana to learn more and share with someone who cares for kids. 🧡