On 9-October Bagheera led the Cub Scouts in some learning about family safety (reference page 199 in the Cub Book). Through a combination of telling, asking and games we discussed the risks of fire in our homes (and the chalet).
There are a few things that you can do with your kids to review family safety (there is some info around page 224 in the cub book).
Hopefully you can go through some of these elements with your kids and put into practice what we discussed. This is a good weekend to check/replace smoke detector batteries (the cubs thought it “cool” that smoke detectors contain ‘radioactive’ substances.
We also spoke about hazardous products and do be aware of these dangers in our homes.
For #8 of the badge, I recommend talking about (b) electricity, but create a home evacuation plan instead (a template is attached). We can discuss the other items with the Cubs – but understanding how to get out of the house and where to meet is very important.
Badge Requirements:
- Help reduce the risk of fire and burns in the home by checking that: [discussed at meeting]
- (a) Matches and flammable liquids are stored properly and out of reach of small children
- (b) Paint, paper and rags are away from heat
- (c) Pot handles are turned toward the back of the stove to prevent the pots being knocked or grab bed by small children
- (d) Your hot water tank is set below 54 degrees C (130 degrees F) to help prevent scalding
- Show how to test and care for a smoke alarm. [completed at meeting]
- Help reduce the risk of poisoning in the home by checking that:
- (a) Poisons, cleaners and medicines are out of reach of children. Show how to find poison information on household products labeled as poison,
- (b) Food containers such as pop bottles are not being used to store poisonous products
- (c) Food is stored safely and handled properly
- Know and draw the following hazardous products symbols for poison, flammable, explosive and corrosive. Find some products that are labeled this way. [completed at meeting]
- Show how to lock and secure all windows, doors and other entry ways into your home.
- Tell or demonstrate what to do if:
- (a) The lights go out in your home
- (b) A fuse blows or circuit breaker trips
- (c) There is a broken water pipe
- (d) There is a smell of natural gas
- (e) The drains back up
- Help reduce the risk of falls in the home by checking that halls, stairs, and walkways are clear of objects.
- Do one of the following projects: [recommend making fire escape plan]
- (a) Make a poster or display that show the dangers of playing on or near train tracks, trestles, crossings and/or train yards
- (b) Make a poster or display that shows the dangers of touching power lines with a stick or ladder, climbing on electrical power poles, towers and substations, poking electrical outlets and/or pulling toast out of a toaster with a knife or fork
- (c) Make a poster or display that shows the dangers of playing around storm sewers, construction sites, garbage dumps or dumpsters, ice covered water or water areas, vacant buildings, farm machinery, quarries, old wells and/or unfriendly animals
- Make a list of emergency numbers, such as: police, fire, ambulance, etc., and post it by a phone in your home. [discussed at meeting – 9-1-1]
