Safe Kids Tarrant County

Safe Kids Tarrant County

The Children's Oral Health Coalition Tarrant CountyCurrent focus areas

Based on local/regional data, community needs assessments and SKTC's ability to make a positive impact, current focus areas are:

  • Child car safety The combination of children and cars can result in many dangerous situations. Buckling up the right way on every ride is the single most important thing a family can do to stay safe in the car. It is also important to be aware of other important hazards cars can pose to kids. Preventing backover and frontover incidents, heat stroke and trunk entrapment are also important to keeping your kids safe in and around vehicles.
  • Drowning prevention Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 14 and under. Learn steps you can take to prevent drownings or near drownings in your pool, the lake or other areas where there is water.
  • Poison prevention Poisons are in every household. Learn how you can prevent accidental poisonings from household medications and other products such as cosmetics, cleaning substances, plants, toys, pesticides, art supplies and alcohol.
  • TV and furniture tip-overs Top-heavy furniture, TVs and appliances can be unsteady, and if pulled or climbed on, they can tip over and seriously injure young children. These injuries can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. Much like childproofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts and furniture straps are important steps to keeping your family safe.

Coalition overview and accomplishments:

Strategies:
For broader impact, SKTC follows a strategic plan based on the Spectrum of Prevention.

  • Strengthening Individual Knowledge and Skills
  • Promoting Community Education
  • Educating Providers and Other Social Service Agencies
  • Fostering Coalitions and Networks for Greater Impact
  • Changing Organizational Practices to Improve Health and Safety
  • Influencing Policy and Legislation

If you would like more information, or are interested in getting involved, please contact Dana Walraven, Safe Kids Tarrant County coordinator at 682-885-1619 or email safe.kids@cookchildrens.org.