Safe Kids Marathon County

12/22/2025

You are not alone this holiday season. 💙

If you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed, struggling with grief, going through a tough time, or are worried about a loved one, the 988 Lifeline is here for you 24/7. Whether you call, text, or chat, compassionate support is always available. https://988lifeline.org/

12/21/2025

Whether gifting a new device for the holidays or worried about your teen spending extra time on social media or online gaming during winter break, here are some great resources for families:

Information on parental controls and setting safe & healthy media limits from the American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/parental-controls-for-kids-setting-safe-and-healthy-media-limits.aspx?

Tipsheets on topics such as social media safety, sexting, online gaming safety, and asking for help geared towards teens and parents from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/resources

12/20/2025

Unsure what type of helmet for which activity? Check out: https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/sports-fitness-and-recreation-bicycles/which-helmet-which-activity

12/19/2025

Any other procrastinators doing holiday shopping this weekend?🙋‍♀️Before heading to the stores, watch this video for quick safety tips to keep in mind when buying toys and gifts for kids of all ages.

Thinking of purchasing an item from Facebook Marketplace, etc.? Check if the item has been recalled first by visiting: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls

Send a message to learn more

12/17/2025

Traveling with a baby this holiday season or having loved ones with an infant coming to visit? Plan ahead to make sure baby has a safe place to sleep. Brush up on safe infant sleep in just 30 seconds by watching this video:

This is "What Is Safe Sleep" by Charlie's Kids Foundation on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

12/16/2025

Tis the season for decorating with lights and candles. Safely deck the halls with these tips:
✨ Always turn off decorative lights before leaving home or going to sleep. Regularly check lights for exposed or frayed wires and loose connections to avoid fire hazards.
🕯️ Lit candles should be placed at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn and never leave them unattended. Remember to blow candles out when you leave the room or go to sleep. As always, keep matches and lighters away from children.
🎄💧 Keep live trees well-watered daily and at least 3 feet from all heat sources.
🚨 Test your smoke alarms to ensure they’re working properly, with one on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.

For more holiday fire safety tips, check out: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/winter-holidays

12/09/2025

🎄Holiday hustle reminder: Before you hit the road for holiday festivities, take an extra minute to double-check your child’s car seat.

~ Is the seat installed tightly enough? Do the inch test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyqsCYA4Bwk

~Are the shoulder straps in the correct position for the direction the child is facing? Straps should be at or below the shoulders for rear-facing OR at or above the shoulders for forward facing. Review your car seat manual for instructions on how to adjust the straps, if needed.

~ Are the straps snug enough? Do the pinch test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnQRvuRlOks

~ Is the chest clip at the armpit level and buckled?

Any questions? Schedule a free car seat check before those holiday road trips! A certified Child Passenger Safety Technician helps ensure your car seat is installed correctly, fits your child’s current size, and meets the latest recommendations. Schedule here: https://www.aspirus.org/safe-kids

12/08/2025

Please remember that winter coats and car seats don't mix! In a crash, puffy and fluffy padding in a winter coat or snowsuit flattens from the crash forces, leaving extra space under the harness, making the harness not tight enough to protect the child.

Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that will help parents strike that perfect balance of keeping their kids warm AND safely buckled in their car seats: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Winter-Car-Seat-Safety-Tips.aspx?

12/03/2025

Organizations right here in Marathon County contributed to developing the first Hmong-language materials for the su***de prevention program QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). Huge kudos to Aspirus Health (our lead agency!), the Marathon County Health Department, New Beginnings for Refugees, and the American Center for bringing these materials to QPR trainers in Marathon County and across the entire nation. Fantastic work!! 👏👏👏

12/01/2025

👇This reminder applies to Cyber Monday purchases, too. Read this article for tips for shopping on sites with third-party sellers (Amazon, Walmart.com, etc.): https://www.consumerreports.org/product-safety/online-holiday-shopping-red-flags-for-parents-a1197360580/

11/27/2025

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!