SAFETY SQUAD BLOG

5 Questions with Josh of Baby Solutions

We'd like you to get to know Josh Berliant. He's the founder of Baby Solutions, Safety Squad's preferred childproofer since 2007. We sat down with him to deliver some childproofing basics to parents.

Safety Squad: When should parents begin thinking about childproofing?

Josh: It really is never too soon to begin the babyproofing process. Parents should start thinking about babyproofing even before they give birth to the child.  Its a great time to evaluate the safety of your home and furnishings, while you still have your sanity.  Waiting until your child begins to crawl is a mistake.

Safety Squad: What advice do you have for first time parents new to babyproofing?

Josh: Advice I would give new parents is that all products are not created equally.  Many of the products on the market can do more harm than good.  A professional can really help to ensure you are using quality products.

Wear Your Seat Belt.. because we don't live in a fantasy world

Have a fire alarm system? Okay good, now call 911.

Many people make assumptions about how they will, or should respond in a fire. One assumption is that if you have a built-in fire alarm system in your home, you don't have to call 911. This is not true.

If you have an automatic alarm system (and it's working), the system/service will notify the fire department that a detector in the home is activated. This will generate, in most jurisdictions, an automatic alarm response which is usually 1-2 vehicles (compared to 4+). Most automatic alarm calls are false alarms (for a number of reasons).  Usually, fire departments will respond with the same speed as a 911 "Report of Fire", but mentally many firefighters' first thought when they hear automatic alarm is "it's probably a false alarm".  As a result, the firefighters while responding quickly, often are not as mentally prepared to battle as they would be for 911 "Report of Fire". This is definitely true for me too.

I know that making assumptions about automatic alarms has killed many firefighters, but my experience also tells me that false alarms are extremely common.

Safety Squad suggests calling 911 always... either after you've escaped danger or if you're trapped.  First, You will at least double the number of firefighters responding (because 911 knows it's bonafide). Second, the firefighters responding to a "Report of Fire" assume it IS a fire and not a false alarm. Third, if you are trapped, you can communicate to 911 where you are, how many people are in the home and any information that may help firefighters find you.

When we know that people are trapped, the level of alarm escalates, our determination rises and given a place to look, we will walk through walls to find you.

Maxi Cosi Recall: February 5, 2010

The Maxi Cosi Mico had been recalled again. We're well aware of this issue and will post a video soon showing you what's wrong.  Check out the recall information below. Safety Squad Home Clients being notified.

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 10C001

Synopsis:
Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) is recalling certain Maxi-Cosi Mico infant child restraint systems, models 22-371 HFL, JUC, LMD, PNG, and ORE; 22-372 TTH; and Maxi-Cosi Mico infant child restraint system - base only, model 22-515 BLK, produced from February 18, 2008 through June 28, 2008. Interference between the mounting bracket and the base caused by warping of the base or inadequate mating between the shell and the base mounting bracket can result in difficulty attaching or detaching the shell from the base. If the shell is improperly mounted to the base, the child could be injured in the event of a crash. DJG will notify all registered owners and will send a remedy kit consisting of two base springs, a hex wrench, and instructions for the base spring replacement. The repair kit is free of charge. The safety campaign is expected to begin on or about February 5, 2010. Owners may contact DJG at 1-877-657-9546.

For more information for this particular recall, please go to 10C001.

Previous Recall Post from July

Car Seat Saves Child in Fire: Part #1

Last week, 5 people died in a raging fire in Brooklyn, NY.  It's hard to see the positive, until we look at the lessons learned.  We will expand on this post in coming days, but wanted to focus on one aspect of the rescue.

A two-month old infant was dropped out of a 3rd floor window to the ground below and lived. In a frenzy the infant was placed in a car seat before being dropped. While the baby sustained injuries, it will survive.

In later posts, we'll discuss Smoke Detectors, Escape Ladders and the 411 on dialing 911, but first we're going to talk about that car seat.  As firefighters, we know that regardless of economic, cultural or geographical factors, parents and their children become trapped in their homes just like this family.

Lesson #1: You CAN use a car seat to lower children to safety.  Even in the most prepared household... one with fire ladders on all floors, few parents ever consider how they'll get their children (especially 2 and under) down their ladders. Climbing down escape ladders is not easy. By using an infant carrier or toddler seat w/rope attached, parents can safely lower a child to safety before they climb down the escape ladder.

Now, the car seat is not intended for this, but if you secure a baby "correctly" (more on this later) in the 5-point harness and secure the rope securely (before the fire), your family may be in a safer position.

At fires, I carry rope in my fire coat. I know that in some fires I won't have time to tie off before I jump, but having it gives me options. The same is true with a car seat and rope. Finally, this should not be your first method of escape for parents with infants/children. If you can escape another way, do that. This post will be evolving, so let us know your questions.