Safe Kids North Carolina

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Safe Kids North Carolina

Housed within the N.C. Office of the State Fire Marshal, Safe Kids North Carolina works to prevent injuries.

Department of Insurance, Safe Kids North Carolina works to prevent injuries in children 19 and under through education and outreach.

06/06/2026

TikTok and Instagram are teeming with parenting hacks. But when it comes to water safety, some trending ideas can actually be dangerous. Here’s what you should avoid this summer:

❌ Tethers tied to boats, whether homemade or restrictive
❌ Inflatable "floaties" or arm bands
❌ Mermaid tails and other restrictive swimming toys

What truly keeps kids safe?
✅ Life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard
✅ Adult supervision
✅ Stay updated with CPR training and certification

Those trends may look cute in a video, but they often create false security and put kids at serious risk of drowning. A mermaid tail that looked adorable in a photo could flip your child face down in seconds. Floaties give parents a false sense of security while offering zero actual protection.

This summer, skip the viral trends and stick with what actually saves lives. For more tips on how to keep your child safe, visit our website in the comments to learn more!

06/03/2026

5 Dangerous “Viral Swim Hacks” Your Child Should Avoid!⚠️
Your kids' safety is important, but learning to swim can take time. Don't cut corners this summer! Here are 5 viral swimming "hacks" that are actually putting children at serious risk:

1️⃣ Neck Rings: These cute floaties can trap children and restrict their airway. They are NOT approved safety devices. Instead, hold the baby either by yourself (or with extra help!) and always use Coast Guard-approved life jackets when needed.

2️⃣ Water Wings as a Replacement for Swim Lessons: Water wings give false confidence and can slip off. Real swim training saves lives, not inflatable toys.

3️⃣ Mesh Playpens in Pools: These can trap children underwater and restrict movement. They create a false sense of security and are extremely dangerous.

4️⃣ Mermaid Tails: Fun for photos? Sure! Safe for swim training? Absolutely not! These restrict movement and can flip a child face-down in seconds. Swimming with a "dolphin kick" requires significant core strength and endurance that young learners can’t yet handle!

5️⃣ Tossing and Dunking Kids: This approach doesn't foster water confidence; it instills fear that can hinder your kid long-term. True swim safety comes from patience, not panic. 🏊‍♀️

What should you do instead? It's easy!

✅ Enroll kids in proper swim lessons
✅ Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
✅ Provide constant adult supervision

This summer, invest in real water safety with Safe Kids North Carolina ! Which of these have you seen in your community? Let us know in the comments below!

05/29/2026

Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, making it the leading cause of injury-related fatalities in children aged 4 and under. Pools pose a significant risk for kids between 1 and 4 years old. 🏊‍♂️🚨

Floaties, swimming lessons, or lifeguards (who are responsible for multiple children, not just yours) cannot substitute for attentive adult supervision! Always remember: parents must remain vigilant at all times when watching their children. Your presence ensures their safety.

This summer:
✅ Stay within arm's reach of children aged 1 to 4
✅ Get trained in CPR for both children and adults. Visit our website linked in the comments below for more on CPR training!
✅ Avoid distractions like social media, texting, or checking emails while supervising. Designate a focused parent to monitor the swimmers.
✅ Never assume another adult is watching your child. As parents, it’s our duty to ensure our kids are safe!

Follow Safe Kids North Carolina for more tips!

05/26/2026

Congratulations to the 25 new Child Passenger Safety Technicians who completed their CPS class in Elizabeth City!

A big thank you to the local Honda dealership for hosting this important training and helping support child passenger safety in northeastern North Carolina. These newly certified techs are now equipped to help families properly install car seats, educate caregivers, and keep children safer on our roads every day.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this class a success and welcome to the CPS family!

05/25/2026

Today, Safe Kids NC wishes to pay tribute to the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation.

Their bravery, commitment, and selflessness will always be remembered. As families and communities come together this Memorial Day, Safe Kids NC encourages families across the state to celebrate safely and responsibly! Remember, to take a moment and reflect on the true significance of this day alongside your friends and family.

We are eternally thankful to those who gave everything for our freedom!

05/23/2026

Do you know the best swimsuit color for your child's safety? Many parents select swimsuits based on style, cuteness, or comfort. However, those factors become irrelevant once a child goes underwater! In order to spot your child quickly if there's an emergency, it's important to pick the right swimsuit colors for safety is more significant than most people realize.

🌊Water absorbs light unevenly, making only a few select colors stand out from under the surface.

☀️Neon yellow & neon green stand out, while blues, oranges, and pinks disappear completely underwater due to glare & color distortion in pools.

🤽Chlorine, ripples, and bright sunlight scatter light, making white and light pastels look like surface reflections.

For more resources on pool and water safety for your kids, follow us at Safe Kids North Carolina or visit our website, linked in the comments below!

05/22/2026

Who doesn't love a backyard BBQ? 🍔🔥 However, keeping your grill too close to flammable decks, trees, or near your home poses a serious fire risk. Plus, it can get extremely hot for young children, leading to severe burn injuries.

Teach your families to follow these guidelines, and reduce fire risks for your communities:

🔥 Check for burn bans! Depending on what sort of grill you're using, such as an open fire pit, it's important to check if a burn ban is in effect by visiting the N.C. Forest Service's Wildfire Report.

🏕️ Pick the right starter fluid! If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, be sure only to use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid directly to the fire.

🔍 Stay prepared! For propane grills, remember to inspect the gas tank for leaks before using it this season.

🏡 Keep your distance! Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

🔥 Dispose of Coals Properly! When you have finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.

Looking to learn more? Visit the NC OSFM website for helpful resources, linked in the comments below!

05/18/2026

We were honored to be part of the 22nd Annual Emergency Fest in Boone this weekend!
It was great seeing so many families come out to learn about fire safety, emergency services, and all the amazing work our first responders do every day. From fire trucks and helicopters to live demonstrations and fun activities for kids, it was an awesome event for the whole community.

05/08/2026

STOP, LOOK, and LOCK with NC OSFM
North Carolina heat can be brutal. Before leaving your car:
🔍 Check your back seat
👶 Take your child with you
🔒 Lock your vehicle

It's a simple routine, but it matters. You could save a life.

Address

1429 Rock Quarry Road, Suite 105
Raleigh, NC

Telephone

+18006347854

Website

http://www.ncsafekids.org/

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