What Happens During a School Lockdown

March 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment


It’s a scary thought nowadays to send your kids off to school. While terrorist activity is common globally, American schools seem to have become a common target of copycat domestic terrorism–which is one of the most cowardice and dangerous threats. Over 200 school shootings have occurred nationwide since 2000, so security practices and drills are at an all-time high across the country. These practices include the employment of armed or unarmed security guards and lockdown drills. A lockdown may be required in the event of the presence or warning of an active shooter, riots, a hostage situation, nearby police activity, or a national disaster. But what happens during a school lockdown?

Staff Requirements

  • The principal or acting principal makes the official call that a lockdown needs to occur.
  • All staff and teachers close windows and usher in students.
  • Window shades are pulled down and classroom lights are turned off.
  • Administrators and non-teaching staff check the hallways and exterior of the building.
  • Depending on the type of lockdown, all interior and perimeter doors may be locked.
  • In the event of a shooter or hostage situation, authorities are called.
  • Any and all incoming visitors at this time are required to remain outside.
  • No one inside the facility is permitted to leave during a lockdown.
  • Depending on the situation, parents may be texted or called with details.

Student Requirements

  • Students are expected to remain quiet and follow instructions.
  • Students must calmly follow their teachers into the correct rooms when given the order
  • Once inside the safe room, attendance is taken.
  • Students then will hunker down until clear notice is given.
  • Texting is usually prohibited unless it’s an emergency text.
  • Emergency texts should be written verbatim from what information the teacher or administrator provides.

Parent Requirements

  • Do not call the school.
  • Do not show up at the school.
  • Do not attempt to assist or beat down the doors of the school.
  • Wait for a text or phone call.
  • Watch the news and await a code or notice to pick up your child.
  • Try to breathe and remain calm knowing the administers and authorities are working to ensure everyone’s as safe as possible.

Some Things to Consider and Remember

Just a few years ago, 93% of public schools reported having controlled access via monitored or locked doors during school hours. But read a newspaper or turn on the news and you’ll quickly discover that’s simply not enough to protect today’s youth. Lockdown drills are as common today as fire drills. Of course, extra security is always a good thing. Modern security practices in schools include photo identification or badges for students and staff, security cameras and off-site monitoring, random metal-detector checks, and drug-sniffing dogs. A lockdown can last between fifteen minutes and five hours with one averaging about three hours. That’s a long time to feel intense stress and fear. But experienced school security guards can help relieve some of that stress while adding a human security element to the school day. Regardless of which side of the gun debate you’re on, armed or unarmed security guards can handle an array of duties to help make secure not only the premises but also everyone’s peace of mind. And that’s priceless.

Filed Under: Children

Stopping Your Kids Tantrums In Its Tracks

February 19, 2017 by


When your toddler bawls over, kick in the air, and do the waterworks, you immediately know that a tantrum is beginning. By this time, a lot of parents feel frustrated or even humiliated, especially when their kids throw tantrums at a public place. In the end, they give in to the demands of their toddlers to stop this rude behavior. Tantrums happen because your child feels frustrated. He wants to exert a little bit of independence, but his physical capabilities is stopping him. Even parents like you sometimes contribute to your children’s tantrums when you do not give them enough attention.

Remain Calm

It is natural for parents to also feel frustrated or disappointed towards their kids when they go into tantrum mode; however, shouting in response or even hurting their child is not a good way to stop it. The tantrum will escalate and the child will feel resentful towards the parent. Instead, remember that children do what they do and they should not be punished harshly for it.

Step Away

It is a good idea to wait for the storm to pass. Meaning, you should wait until the anger, shouting, and crying of your child subsides. Going to your child while he does this may make him angrier. Aside from that, he will know that it is a good tactic to grab your attention and will do it often whenever he wants you by his side.

Do Not Bribe

Bribing will worsen the situation because your child will think that he is rewarded for the bad behavior. Furthermore, he can use his tantrums to manipulate you if you do this. It is important to let your child know that you are the parent and what you say goes. However, when your child stops the tantrums, you can reassure him by giving a hug and telling him gently why mommy or daddy made that particular rule.
Tantrums are caused by a lot of things. Sometimes they are as simple as a toy falling over, while there are instances when children are demanding something from their parents. If you feel that your child is using it to manipulate you, step back and wait for it to stop. However, if you think that your child wants some independence, then by all means give him the freedom he needs, as long as he is not hurt or harmed by his actions.

Filed Under: Children

Canada’s First Smart Trampoline Is Here

October 11, 2016 by

According to The Childhood Obesity Foundation, between 1978 and 2004 obesity increased in children ages 2-17 from 15% to 26%. The numbers are even more dismal for children ages 12-17 whose rate of obesity increased exponentially from 14% to 29% –  It is no surprise that inactivity has played a major part in this with the introduction of an increasingly digital — and sedentary — lifestyle. It is a challenge to tear kids away from their technology and get them moving, but what if the two weren’t mutually exclusive? What if you could get your kids active in a way that allowed them to stay up to date with technological advances. The tgoma game app for example, has paired with the world’s first smart trampoline to merge fitness and fun like never before introducing a way for kids to track their activity, set goals, compete, and compare high scores with friends.This not only encourages kids to get physically active, but it motivates them to stay on top of their fitness progress using the app.

While companies like Springfree Trampoline are on the forefront when it comes to technological advancements for trampoline gaming, they are also leading the pack in safety, setting new industry standards. The Canada Safety Council states that one of the major injuries on trampolines occurs when a jumper impacts with the springs – normally situated very close to their feet, making it very easyfor them to fall or get pinched. Springfree uses flexible composite rods positioned under the trampoline so the jumper never comes into contact with them. If you visit Springfree Trampoline Canada, you can browse the models and see just how revolutionary these changes are.

Additionally, Springfree brings a new standard, using a stronger mesh for the net, supported by composite rods that will not cause harm, but will instead absorb the bouncer’s weight and guide them back to the surface. In fact, this new generation of nets will guide jumpers back onto the mat, or if they are a larger adult, safely to the ground without tipping the trampoline itself.

When shopping,it is important to look for a trampoline that meets or exceeds industry standards. Products whose parts have undergone rigorous testing for quality assurance are bound to be much more reliable. One way to ensure the quality of your trampoline is to see which manufacturers are backed by industry awards that include but are not limited to: The Parent Tested Parent Approved Award, The US Family Choice Award, as well as the International Design Award.

Trampolines are an excellent way to combat staggering obesity rates in children and smart trampolines will not take away their freedom to be digitally connected. However, the safety of your children comes first and settling for a low quality trampoline means settling for many potential risks. Through learning more about a trampoline’s design, you can easily reduce the potential for injuries and safely install fun in your backyard for the whole family.

Filed Under: Children

Find the Right Trampoline for your Backyard

August 2, 2016 by

You’ve decided to spruce up your backyard get-togethers by adding a fun, fit outdoor activity — the trampoline. There are numerous models of trampolines available on the market, but when searching for a trampoline, a major factor in finding the right model for your backyard is ensuring it is safe for you and your children. Therefore, to be effective in protecting against injury, trampolines must be designed for safety. This means that they must focus on the prevention of injury — especially among children. When searching for the right product, you want to find the world’s safest trampoline. The following key points will help you find the right trampoline for your backyard.

The Frame

The best trampoline models availableare designed with a hidden frame as opposed to the exposed traditional metal frame that surrounds the jumping surface. The traditional design makes it easy for jumpers to come in contact and get injured. As the name suggests, hidden frames are not in plain sight and, therefore, cannot cause any bodily injury during use.

Construction

The safest trampoline models utilize flexile composite rods instead of springs, which significantly reduces the risk of poking or puncturing the jumping surface which can injure the children, especially when (like the frame) these rods are placed underneath the mat completely out of range of jumpers. Adding a FlexiNet enclosure around the perimeter of the trampoline supported by flexible composite rods instead of rigid steel poles provides additional support as the primary purpose of the net enclosure is to gently guide jumpers back to the jumping area so they do not fall over the edge.

You may be wondering what trampoline checks each of the above boxes in safety innovation. Based on the designs of a mechanical engineer and concerned father who wanted to ensure his daughter’s safety while bouncing, Springfree Trampoline has revolutionized trampoline design expectations and is setting new industry standards. If you want the best in safety and quality design, you should buy a square trampoline at Springfree Trampoline.

Awards

The final consideration when shopping for a trampoline is whether or not a brand is backed by industry awards. Springfree has won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including The International Design Award, The Parent Tested Parent Approved Award and the U.S. Family Choice Award. The International Design Award evaluates products for demanding criteria such as functionality, quality, ergonomics, emotional appeal, environmental sustainability, presentation and safety. The Parent Tested Parent Approved Award celebrates product excellence that is judged by the consumer. The U.S. Family Choice Award is a similar accolade whereby families approve products they enjoy.

Testing

Finally, the best trampolines should have some type of quality assurance testing to ensure conformance to the specifications. Section 1.3 of the ASTM F2225-15 “Standard Safety Specification for Consumer Trampoline Enclosures” cites the required performance tests that must be completed and proven by trampoline manufacturers. Springfree trampolines meet and exceed these benchmarks as they rigorously test each and every trampoline on site. If you want the right trampoline for your family, consider a brand like Springfree, one that sets new standards in safety, design, and quality assurance. Your family will thank you for it.

Filed Under: Children, Parenting

Selecting the Right Bike Helmet for Your Child

June 30, 2016 by

Your child’s first bike ride is a major milestone, especially when the training wheels come off. But before anyone flies solo or even swings a leg over the bars of that bike, the proper head gear must be in place. It is unlikely that you wore a bicycle helmet when you were a child. It wasn’t until 1987 that states and localities began adopting laws about children wearing bike helmets, and there is currently no federal law that requires them. While nothing can completely protect your child from suffering a concussion when they fall off their bike, a helmet can certainly help make a traumatic brain injury far less likely.

Understanding Bicycle Helmet Regulations

It’s important to know the different types of bike helmets that are available for children. Bicycle helmets are not one-size-fits-all. There are many different styles and brands on the market, and often your child will want a particular helmet because of its appearance – it’s up to you as the parent to ensure that the helmet is appropriate. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Helmets do help: The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute reports that bicycle helmets can prevent most bicyclist head injuries.
  • Helmets are affordable: You can certainly purchase a high-end bicycle helmet for your child, but it isn’t necessary. Most retail for around the $30 mark, and some can be purchased for less. Every helmet that’s sold in the United States has to meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard and state as much on the helmet. In other words, impact performance is legally regulated, and this helps when you’re choosing a helmet based on price, fit, and – of course – style.
  • Fit is everything: Regardless of cost, the most important element of a child’s bicycle helmet is the fit. Take your child shopping for a helmet and test out the helmets in the store, or ask for assistance from a salesperson to ensure that the head gear is on properly and securely so it will actually protect your child. The helmet should sit level on your child’s head and be securely fitted with the strap fastened.
  • Outgrowing a helmet won’t happen too soon: Kids don’t outgrow bicycle helmets as often as they outgrow shoes, and you shouldn’t have to purchase a new helmet every summer. The foam pads that come with the helmets are often available in varying sizes so you can reduce the thickness of the foam as your child grows – changing the foam for proper fit will not compromise the effectiveness of the helmet.

There are other factors that can impact your child’s level of safety while riding a bicycle too:

  • Watch for cars: Bike collisions with cars are the most common bicycle accident, and three-quarters of the deaths that result from bike accidents are because of head injuries.
  • Set a good example: If you plan to bike right alongside your child, wear your helmet too so your child can see that everyone really does wear their helmets when biking, even grown-ups.
  • Use the helmet for other activities: If your child decides to ride his scooter, skateboard, or inline skates, the CPSC says that bicycle helmets work well for these activities.

A brain injury can alter your child for life. While it may seem that getting cuts and scrapes from bicycle wrecks are a rite of passage for all children, traumatic brain injuries are not. A concussion could lead your child to end up with an aggressive personality, recurring headaches, balance issues, difficulty concentrating, and far worse. Buy your child a helmet, and make sure he wears it every time he rides.

About: David Christensen is a personal injury attorney who specializes in traumatic brain injury cases. He is also the founder of Christensen Law which has offices located in Southfield, Michigan and Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Filed Under: Children