Families can take an active role in protecting their homes and themselves from fire by: (1) keeping their homes free of fire hazards; (2) installing, testing, and maintaining smoke detectors; and (3) developing a fire escape plan. (DF)

A selection of books that may be useful in developing an awareness of proper health and safety practices is offered. (DF)

Introductory article to this theme issue on child safety indicates that injury from accidents is principal childhood public health problem of the United States and notes it is an epidemic that can be controlled through targeted prevention strategies such as parent education to enhance home and school safety. (SM)

Presents fire safety guidelines for parents, including install smoke detectors on every floor; test and maintain the smoke detectors; and plan escape routes. Children must have fire drills and be taught two ways out of the house. The article suggests what to do if a fire occurs. (SM)

To understand why children perceive traffic differently from adults, adults must position themselves at children's level, physically and cognitively, and devise instructional techniques that reflect children's size and physical and cognitive development. (IAH)

The most important part of any babysitting job is everyone's safety while the parents are gone. The article makes suggestions about what parents should ask prospective babysitters before hiring them and discusses issues that parents must cover with babysitters before leaving them alone with the children. (SM)

This article describes the "block home" program, neighborhood volunteers who provide a place of refuge when children encounter an emergency as they walk to and from school. Organization, purpose, and guidelines for planning and implementation are discussed. (IAH)

Children need to be taught about food safety. The paper includes safety tips to remember when selecting, cooking, and eating meals, both at home and away from home. Information is included on grocery shopping, home storage, food preparation, cooking, serving, and leftovers. (SM)

When explaining sexual assault to children, parents need to give enough specific information for the child to recognize behavior that may lead to an assault or may be an assault. Advice for parents on discussing sexual assault is offered. (DF)

This article lists several activities which could be used in a program to promote summer safety for children. The focus is on fire safety and sports safety. A list of resources is included. (IAH)

The National Fire Protection Association offers a quiz on fire safety designed to help people learn about the major fire dangers and change the way they respond to them. Recommends that families sit down and take the quiz together, focusing on the correct answers provided. (SM)

Ideas parents can use to instill safe driving habits in teenagers are discussed. Among them are tips for dealing with impatience and traffic congestion, avoiding rollovers, and being alert to other hazards, such as wet brakes, distractions, and driving after drinking. (PP)

The article presents suggestions for home safety checks, recommending that parents look for harmful agents and safety hazards, and suggesting that they teach their children safety awareness. Safety tips are also offered for visits outside the home. (SM)

The president of the National Safety Council suggests ways that parents can promote school bus safety, with emphasis on preventing accidents outside the bus. Parents can explain safety rules to their children and work with their parent teacher associations and school administrators to plan and enforce safety regulations. (PP)

The number of accidental deaths and injuries could be reduced if more children knew how to identify potentially dangerous situations, respond effectively to emergencies, and properly treat common injuries. Parents must teach their children self-care and safety skills, demonstrating, guiding, and praising the children as they practice the skills.…