Buckle Up, Baby!

1-800-505-BABY

Do you shudder to see young children standing in the seat of a moving automobile?

Have you seen children being held on a lap and feel helpless?

In Arizona over 50% of the children under the age of five who were killed or suffered serious injuries in traffic crashes were not properly restrained.  Correctly installed and used, child safety seats are extremely effective, reducing the risk of death by 71%.

Arizona State law requires that a child under five years of age when being transported in a noncommercial motor vehicle shall be properly secured in a child passenger restraint system.

If you observe a child under the age of five not properly restrained while riding in a moving vehicle, you can do something about it.

Call the "Buckle Up, Baby!" hotline number 1-800-505-BABY

Law Enforcement Agencies nationwide are setting up checkpoints and other measures to help enforce the child restraint law.

How The Program Works

• Persons may call the 1-800 number and leave the following information:

• 1. Vehicle License and State,

• 2. City observed in,

• 3. Where child was sitting in vehicle.

License numbers of vehicles observed transporting unrestrained children are sent to the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division for registration information and returned to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

A packet of information is mailed to the registered owner informing them their vehicle was observed transporting unrestrained children.  The information explains the hazards of transporting children not properly secured in a child safety seat, and encourages the owner to purchase a child safety seat and use it.

Please Note:  This is a Public Awareness and Education program sponsored by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.  Information sent to registered owners does not constitute a notice of violation, does not go on driving records and does not impose a fine.  All information collected in this program will be kept confidential.

Thank you for saving Arizona's Children!

Keeping Your Kids Safe Around Water

Most of the swimming and boating rules that apply to adults also apply to children.

Swimming:

• An adult who's a good swimmer should be supervising children in or near the water at all times.

• Kids shouldn't be allowed to swim if they're tired or ill or if there's a strong current.

• Children should stay within any markers and know the depth of the water before diving.

Boating:

• Always let someone know where you are going.

• Make sure everyone wears a life jacket.

• Plan to get back before dark or before any fog rolls in.

• Keep everyone with the boat if it overturns.

Personal Flotation Devices

Whether in a boat, at the beach or by the pool, the most important piece of safety equipment you can provide is a personal flotation device (PFD), such as a life jacket.  That goes double for kids.

• A PFD provides that extra lift that may save a child's life.

• There are several types of PFDs, depending on the person and the water activity.

• Use only those approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

• PFDs designed to be thrown into the water for someone to grab on to are the only types specifically not recommended for children.

• Be sure it's the right size and fits your child snugly but comfortably.  You can test its fit by carefully lifting the child by the shoulders of the PFD.  If the PFD fits right, the child's chin and ears will not slip through.

• Teach your children how to put on a PFD.

• Help children get used to wearing one in or near the water before they start having fun.

• Never allow inflatable toys or rafts to take the place of PFDs.

• Never allow a PFD to take the place of an adult supervisor.

Don't Let Your Guard Down Just Because You Live In The Country

The Four D's Of Burglary Prevention

Crime Prevention For The Elderly

Crime and the fear of crime create special problems for the elderly.  Understanding the nature of the problem and knowing what to do to avoid being a victim of crime can help you.  The following advice can be effective when you follow these tips.

Banking

• Many criminals know exactly when government checks arrive each month, and may pick that day to attack.  Avoid this by using Direct Deposit, which sends your money directly from the government to the bank of your choice.  And, at many banks, free checking accounts are available to senior citizens.  Your bank has all the information.
• You should store valuables in a Safe Deposit Box.
• Never give your money to someone who calls on you, identifying himself as a bank official.  A bank will never ask you to remove your money.  Banks need the use of your money, and they don't want one of their customers to invite crime by having large amounts of cash around.
• When someone approaches you with a get-rich-quick scheme involving some or all of YOUR savings, it is HIS get-rich-quick scheme.  If it is a legitimate investment, the opportunity to contribute your funds will still be there tomorrow - after you have had time to consider it.

In Your Car

• Always keep your car doors locked, whether you are in or out of your car.
• At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear.
• Travel well lit and busy streets.  Plan your route.
• Don't leave your purse on the seat beside you; put it on the floor, where it is more difficult for someone to grab it.
• Lock bundles or bags in the trunk.  If interesting packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to break in to steal them.
• When returning to your car, check the front seat, back seat, and floor before entering.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• If your car should break down, get far enough off the road, turn on your emergency flashers, raise the hood, get back into the car, lock the door, and wait for help.

At Your Door/Home

• Never open your door automatically.  Use an optical viewer.
• At night, draw your blinds or draperies.
• Lock your doors and windows.  (Three quarters of the burglaries involving older persons involved unlocked doors and windows; and, less than one half of thes burglaries are reported.)  Keep your garage doors locked.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Use "Neighbor Watch" to keep an eye on your neighborhood.  A concerned neighbor is often the best protection against crime because suspicious persons and activities are noticed and reported to the sheriff promptly.
• Don't leave notes on the door when going out.
• Leave lights on when going out at night; use a timer to turn light on and off when you are away for an extended period.
• Don't place keys under mats, in mail boxes, or other receptacles outside your door.
• Notify neighbors and the sheriff when going away on a trip.  Cancel deliveries such as newspapers and arrange for someone - a neighbors child, perhaps - to mow the lawn if need be.  Arrange for you mail to be held by the Post Office, or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
• Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your home.  Deal only with reputable businesses.
• Keep an inventory with serial numbers and photographs of resalable appliances, antiques and furniture.  Leave copies in a safe place.
• Don't hesitate to report crime or suspicious activities.

Walking

• Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings.  Walk confidently.
• Have a companion accompany you.
• Stay away from buildings and doorways; walk in well lighted areas.
• Have your key ready when approaching your front door.
• Don't dangle your purse away from you body. (Twelve percent of all crimes against the elderly are purse snatchings and street robberies.)
• Don't carry large, bulky shoulder bags; carry only what you need.  Better yet, sew a small pocket inside your jacket or coat.  If you don't have a purse, no one will try to snatch it.

In Stores

• Don't display large sums of cash.
• Never leave your purse unattended.
• Use checks where possible.