Childhood injuries are the #1 cause of death and disability among children. These childhood injury prevention programs are designed to help reduce these injuries and reduce this statistic.
Child Passenger Safety
Child car seats
ND law states that children younger than 7 years of age must be properly secured in a car safety seat and that children ages 7 through 17 must be properly secured in a car safety seat or buckled correctly in a seat belt. The law applies to all drivers and passengers in a vehicle and the penalty for violating this law is one point assessed against the license of the driver and a $25 fine. In the city of Minot, the fine is $40.
First District Health Unit developed a child car seat program in the late 1970’s. The program is educationally based. A video and hands on instructions are given to every client. The instructions consist of proper use of the child car seat, seat belt systems and air bags.
Child car seats are available by appointment only and may be:
- Rented on a short-term basis for company visiting and then returned to First District Health Unit. There is a rental fee for this service.
- Purchased and then you keep the seat.
Various child car seats are available through this program
- Infant seats are used for newborns; these seats are used rear facing only.
- Convertible seats are used for infants and toddlers. These seats are used rear facing until the child reaches the maximum weight of the safety seat.
- High back booster seats are used forward facing only. These seats convert into booster seats after the child has reached 40 pounds.
- Low back booster seats are used for children who weigh between 40 to 80 pounds and under 4 feet 9 inches.
For a listing of dates and time of CLick it for Kids (child car seat checkups) in your area go to http://fdhu.org/cgi-bin/programs.pl?display&pid=88&program_ty=Babies
Buckle Bear Program
This program is for school age children, day care facilities, and daycare centers. Buckle Bear is a cuddly lap puppet that teaches children the proper way to buckle up. He is loved by many children and makes buckling up fun. A large Buckle Bear costume is also part of this program. He appears in parades, at mall events and other activities.
Bicycle/Helmet Safety
First District Health Unit has had a bicycle helmet and riding skills course program since 1992. This program teaches children and parents about bicycle safety and the importance of wearing and properly fitting a bicycle helmet.
Farm Safety
First District Health Unit is a member of the Mid-Dakota Chapter of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids (FS4JK), a national organization, which was organized in February 1998. Educational displays and presentations are available upon request. The chapter holds Farm Safety Day camps and participates in school safety fairs, ag shows and more.
Visit these web sites for additional information:
http://www.health.state.nd.us/injuryprevention/childpassenger
http://www.ndhealth.gov/injury
