Be Child Safe

Author: Marianne Halterman

  • April is a Lot of Things… Namely, the 40th Anniversary of CAPTA

    April is a lot of things… It’s a time for my family to celebrate some family birthdays. It’s the month when spring flowers’ natural beauty revives the Virginia landscape where I live. It’s celebrating Easter, Passover and a host of holidays.  But, for us here at BeChildSafe.org, it is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and a special time “to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families.” (National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2015)  This year, April also marks the 40th anniversary of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, also known as CAPTA, or Public Law 93-247.

    CAPTA was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Nixon in 1974, and represents America’s strong stance against child abuse and neglect in our society. The law underwrites federal assistance to the states for prevention, identification and treatment programs and establishes the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, currently known as the Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (OCAN) within the Children’s Bureau. In 1983, President Reagan designated April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

    Over the years, the law has been expanded to create State Children’s Trust Funds to fund child abuse prevention.  During the 1990s, a grants program entitled Community-Based Family Resource and Support (CBFRS) was created promoting cooperation between public and private child abuse and prevention treatment programs. Also in the 1990s, a Federal Inter-Agency Work Group on Child Abuse and Neglect was created (FEDIAWG) and now includes representatives from more than 40 federal agencies who interact with each other and with OCAN.

    Since the inception of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, there have been many steps forward in the identification and prevention of child abuse and neglect. Awareness has grown thanks to dedication to initiatives such as “We Can Make A Difference” in the 1990s and the 2003 partnership between OCAN’s Information Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, and Prevent Child Abuse America to raise the public’s awareness. Child abuse prevention has come a long way from recognizing the symptoms of child abuse and neglect to proactively using evidence-based home visiting programs to help address the root causes of child maltreatment and enhance efforts that strengthen the family.

    Although child abuse and neglect awareness has advanced, the problem of child abuse and neglect is still everyone’s business.  If you see, hear or suspect a child is being abused or neglected, we urge you to say something–to the Child Protective authorities in your community, or call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1-800-422-4453). All calls to the National Child Abuse Hotline are anonymous. You can also obtain the local Child Protective Services phone number in your state by checking this website:  https://www.childwelfare.gov/organizations/?CWIGFunctionsaction=rols:main.dspROL&rolType=custom&rs_id=5

  • Recall of Residential Elevators Sold Exclusively by Coastal Carolina Elevators Due to Crushing Hazard

    Recall Date: March 19, 2015

    Recall Number: 15-102

    Child’s Catastrophic Brain Injury Prompts Recall of Residential Elevators Sold Exclusively by Coastal Carolina Elevators Due to Crushing Hazard

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Residential hydraulic elevators

    Hazard: The elevator can operate while the gate door is open, posing a crushing hazard.

    Remedy: Repair

    Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled elevators and contact Coastal Carolina Elevator for a free repair.

    Consumer Contact: Coastal Carolina Elevators collect at (843) 399-6545 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or at www.coastalcarolinaelevators.com and click on the Recall tab at the top of the page (effective April 6, 2015).

    Recall Details

    Units: About 240

    Description: This recall involves Elmira Hydraulic residential hydraulic elevators. The elevators were installed in homes with multiple floors. They have a manual accordion-style car gate door with vinyl laminate inserts and a control panel with up and down buttons, light switch, telephone, emergency stop button and power failure light. “Cambridge Elevating” is printed on the elevator’s push button panel.

    Incidents/Injuries: Coastal Carolina Elevators has received three reports of incidents with the elevators, including one injury that resulted in a catastrophic brain injury to a 10-year-old boy from Baltimore, Md.

    Sold at: Coastal Carolina Elevators through residential contractors and home builders, including DRHorton, in South Carolina from January 2006 through December 2009 for between $16,000 and $25,000.

    Distributor: Coastal Carolina Elevators LLC, formerly Seaside Elevator LLC, of Little River, S.C.

    Manufacturer: Cambridge Elevating, of Canada

    Manufactured in: Canada

  • Spinrite Recalls Bernat Tizzy Yarn Due to Entanglement Hazard

    Recall Date: March 19, 2015

    Recall Number: 15-101

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Bernat Tizzy Yarn

    Hazard: In finished knit or crochet items, the yarn can unravel or snag and form a loop, posing an entanglement hazard to young children.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumers should immediately stop using the yarn or finished yarn projects, keep them out of the reach of young children, and contact Bernat for a full refund.

    Consumer Contact: Bernat toll-free (844) 418-7973 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.bernat.com and click on the “Voluntary Recall” button at the top of the page for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 620,000 in the U.S and about 220,000 in Canada

    Description: The recall includes all 11 colors of Bernat brand Tizzy Yarn. The yarn was sold as a ball or skein in a 3.5 ounce package with a paper sleeve. The green sleeve has a striped border with a photo of a baby in a knitted sweater and “Bernat” printed in all white capital letters and “Tizzy” printed in yellow and orange letters. UPC codes included in the recall are printed under the barcode on the paper sleeve. To view a full listing of the color numbers, color names and UPC codes included in the recall, click here: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/Spinrite-Recalls-Bernat-Tizzy-Yarn/

    Incidents/Injuries: Bernat has received two reports of children becoming entangled from unraveling or snagging yarn blankets. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold at: Jo-Ann Stores, Michaels and other craft retail stores nationwide and online at www.yarnspirations.com from April 2012 through February 2015 for between $4.50 and $5.

    Importer: Spinrite Yarns LP, of Washington, N.C.

    Manufactured in: China

  • Kid’s Korner Children’s Zipper Hooded Sweatshirts Recalled by Kroger Due to Choking Hazard

    Recall Date: March 11, 2015

    Recall Number: 15-096

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Children’s zipper hooded sweatshirts

    Hazard: The sweatshirt zipper pull can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumers should immediately take the sweatshirt away from young children and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers without a sales receipt will be refunded current retail price.

    Consumer Contact: Kroger at (800) 576-4377 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.kroger.com and click on the Recall Alerts link at the top of the main page for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 140,000

    Description: This recall involves Kids Korner brand boy’s, girl’s and toddler’s cotton/poly blend fleece zipper hooded sweatshirts with a front zipper, two front pockets and knit ribbing around the wrists and waist. The sweatshirts were sold in 62 different prints and solid colors in infant, toddler to children’s size 4. The size can be found on a label sewn into the back seam of the neck. A white label sewn into the lower left inside seam reads Inter-American Products, Lahore, Pakistan and has style number ending in 8025, 8025P, 8128, 8128P, 8174P, 8251, 8326 or 8326P. Also on the label are the following manufacture dates: March 2014, April 2014, June 2014 or November 2014 and batch numbers: 1, FLC-P5, FLC-P6 or FLC-P8. To view photos of all recalled sweatshirts, visit the Recall Alerts section on the firm’s web site.

    Incidents/Injuries: Kroger has received one report of a zipper pull detaching from the sweatshirt. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold at: Dillons, Fred Meyer, King Soopers Marketplace, Kroger, Smith’s and Fry’s Marketplace and other stores nationwide from June 2014 through February 2015 for between $8 and $10.

    Importer: Fred Meyer, Inc., of Portland, Ore. dba Kroger of Cincinnati, Ohio

    Manufactured in: Pakistan

  • Children’s Pajamas Recalled by KTM North America for Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

    Recall Date: March 4, 2015

    Recall Number: 15-089

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Children’s Pajamas

    Hazard: The pajamas fail to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumers should immediately take the recalled pajamas away from children, stop using them and return them to KTM North America, Inc. for a full refund.

    Consumer Contact: KTM North America, Inc. toll-free at (888) 985-6090 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or online at www.ktmusa.com and click on “Recall Information” link at the bottom of the page for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 2,800

    Description: This recall involves children’s onesies and two-piece KTM motocross pajamas. The Baby Racing Body onesies are 95% cotton and 5% elastane and were sold in three prints. One is orange with white sleeves and the KTM brand logo on the left chest. The second is white and orange with the KTM brand logo in bold orange printed on the center front of the chest and on the left and right hip. The third onesie is yellow with orange and black detailing and the KTM brand logo printed on the left. All onesies are long-sleeved and have snap closures from the neck to the left ankle and were sold in sizes 18 months to 2T.

    The two-piece, long-sleeve and pant pajama sets are 100% cotton and were sold in two prints. The Kids Racing Gear pajama is white with black, orange and grey detailing on the top and pant with a black elastic waistband and KTM printed on the left side of the chest. This set was sold in sizes 2T through 5T. The Kids Gravity Gear pajama two-piece set is white with blue, and orange detailing on the top and pant with an elastic waistband in orange and KTM printed on the left side of the chest and on the right hand wrist. This set was sold in sizes XXS through L.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Sold at: Authorized KTM motorcycle shops nationwide from August 2012 through January 2015 for between $28 and $32.

    Importer: KTM North America, Inc., of Amherst, Ohio

    Manufactured in: China

  • Dream on Me Recalls 2-in-1 Bassinet to Cradle Due to Fall and Suffocation Hazards

    Recall Date: March 3, 2015

    Recall Number: 15-088

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: 2-in-1 Bassinet to Cradle

    Hazard: The wire supports on the sides of the bassinet can disconnect causing the fabric sides to lower; posing a risk that infants can fall out or become entrapped and suffocate.

    Remedy: Repair

    Consumer Contact: Dream on Me toll-free at (877) 201-4317, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.dreamonme.com and click on the “Recalls” icon on the home page for more information.

     Recall Details

    Units: About 13,000

    Description: This recall involves the 2-in-1 Bassinet to Cradle, sold in pink, blue, green, and white. The bassinet has metal frame supports and fabric sides with a removable half-canopy on the top.  The frame can also be adjusted with two rocking legs on each end of the bassinet. It is designed with fabric handles and the option to remove the bassinet from the frame to use the bassinet portion as a “by the bed” sleeper product. The recalled model numbers are 439-A, 439-B, 439-G, 439-P and 439-W and can be found on a tag which is located under the mattress pad of the bassinet. This tag is a removable tag you see in the store but is removed prior to use.

    Incidents/Injuries: Dream on Me has received one incident of the wire frame support bracket failing and the fabric portion of the bassinet collapsing while an infant was asleep in the cradle.  No injuries have been reported.  

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Dream On Me to obtain a free repair. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a crib that meets current safety standards or play yard depending on the child’s age.

    Sold at: Online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Wayfair.com, ToysRUs.com and Kohls.com from May 2012 to October 2014 for about $60.

    Manufacturer: Shanghaid Daafu Baby, of China.

    Importer: Dream on Me Inc., of South Plainfield, N.J.

    Manufactured in: China

  • Winter Cold Weather Safety Tips

    Our local chapter of the SafeKids Coalition sent these tips yesterday, and I want to post them for our readers who are parents, family members and caregivers of young children. Thanks to Wanda Willis of the Harrisonburg Fire Department for forwarding these to me. And I am hoping everyone who follows our blog has a happy, healthy and safe Valentine’s Day!
    Marianne Halterman

    Winter Cold Weather Safety Tips
    February 14, 2015

    Here are a few tips to keep your families safe during the bitter cold this weekend:

    1. During a power outage avoid using candles for emergency lighting. Use flashlights and battery-powered lamps when possible.
    2. If you must use a kerosene heater be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case of tip overs.
    3. Keep young children away from any space heaters.
    4. Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in a woodstove or fireplace.
    5. Keep a metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace opening at all times.
    6. Have a CO Alarm when there are any appliances in your home that produce a flame.
    7. Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device.
    8. Every level of your home must have a working smoke alarm.
    9. Practice a fire drill with your children and all members of your household.
    10. Keep a car disaster kit in your car in case you are stranded or caught in traffic for an extended period of time.

    The Central Shenandoah Valley SafeKids Coalition is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Shenandoah-Valley-Safe-Kids-Coalition/103390966384968. Like their page and follow them for other safety tips throughout the year!

  • System Sensor Recalls Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors Due to Carbon Monoxide Hazard

    Recall Date: February 11, 2015

    Recall Number: 15-077

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: i4 Series System Sensor combination carbon monoxide (CO)/smoke detectors

    Hazard: The detectors can fail to detect carbon monoxide gas in the home, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

    Remedy: Replace

    Consumer Contact: System Sensor at (800) 736-7672 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.systemsensor.com, and click on “Product Safety Notice” for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 1,450

    Description: This recall involves System Sensor i4 series combination carbon monoxide/smoke detector models COSMO-2W and COSMO-4W manufactured between 9/3/14 and 9/13/14. The detectors are round, white, and measure about 5.5 inches in diameter. Recalled units have date codes 4091 or 4092 printed on the lower left-hand corner of the label affixed to the back of the product and on the packaging.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact System Sensor to obtain a free replacement combination CO/smoke detector. Consumers should keep using the recalled detectors until replacement detectors are installed.

    Sold at: Security equipment dealers nationwide during September 2014 for about $75.

    Manufacturer: System Sensor, of St. Charles, Ill.

    Manufactured in: Mexico

  • Mima Recalls Moon 3-In-1 High Chairs Due to Fall and Impact Hazard

    Recall Date: February 5, 2015

    Recall Number: 15-075

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Mima Moon 3-in-1 High Chairs

    Hazard: The high chair seat can loosen and dislodge, allowing the seat and child to fall. The chair can also fall onto a child crawling underneath the seat, posing an impact hazard to the child.

    Remedy: Repair, Refund

    Consumers should stop using the high chair immediately and contact Mima to receive a free replacement upper chair section or instructions on receiving a refund.

    Consumer Contact: Mima at (800) 392-1206 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.mimakidsusa.com and click on “Moon Recall Information” for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 1470

    Description: This recall includes Moon model 3-in-1 high chairs which adjust to a newborn, high and junior chair with a unique design consisting of a base with two feet supporting a single post that holds up the seat in a clear shell. The shell has a white inner seat with a removable seat pad in white, camel or black. The high chair measures about 3 feet tall when in its highest position. There is a “Mima” logo where the metal post attaches to the base to the seat. There is also a “Moon” logo on the inside of the feet that form the base of the high chair. The serial and model numbers are located on a sticker on the inside of one of the two feet that form the base of the high chair. For a list of serial numbers included in this recall, click here: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/Mima-Recalls-Moon-3-In-1-High-Chairs

    Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 14 reports of the high chair seat loosening. No injuries have been reported.

    Sold at: The majority of the high chairs were given away at the May 9, 2014 taping of the Ellen DeGeneres television show. The remaining chairs were sold at children’s juvenile product stores in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Texas and Virginia from February 2014 through September 2014 for about $500.

    Importer: Muak Baby LLC, of Redondo Beach, Calif.

    Manufacturer: Sparklegate Industries, of Dongguan, Guangdong, China, through a contract manufacturing relationship with Mima International Limited, of Hong Kong.

    Manufactured in: China

  • Airplane and Butterfly Push Toys Recalled by LS Import Due to Choking Hazard

    Recall Number: 15-074

    Airplane and Butterfly Push Toys Recalled by LS Import Due to Choking Hazard

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Airplane and butterfly push toys

    Hazard: The wheels of the airplane and the balls at the tip of the butterfly’s antenna can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: LS Import Inc. collect at (713) 780-3900 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 660

    Description: This recall involves plastic airplane and butterfly push toys. The airplane push toy is red and has a blue, yellow and red rotor above the cockpit’s canopy and eyelids on the nose of the airplane that open and shut when the toy is been pushed on the floor. The airplane push toy has a pink plastic rod with a handle that connects to the back of the toy to push it. The butterfly push toy’s body is yellow with pink wings and has a pink plastic ball at the end of each of two antennas and a pair of wings that flap up and down when the toy is been pushed on the floor. The butterfly push toy has a green plastic rod with a handle that connects to the back of the toy to push it.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact LS Import for a full refund.

    Sold at: LS Import stores in Houston, Texas from May 2014 through July 2014 for between $1 and $2.

    Importer: LS Import, of Houston, Texas

    Manufactured in: China