Keeping Kids Safe in Cars with OnStar + Free E-Book #KeepingKidsSafe
Many different types of emergencies can take place in or around a vehicle, whether it is moving or parked. It's important to talk with your child about how to safely react in a vehicle-related emergency before it happens.
OnStar developed an e-book to help you discuss with your child what to do in an emergency. While this book does not cover every kind of emergency, it is important to talk with your child about the potential emergency situations that are the most common in the areas where you live and drive. You can download the full e-book and learn how to speak with your child about vehicle safety.
SheBuysCars and OnStar will have a Twitter Party July 8 to discuss vehicle safety.
Here is an excerpt:
YOUR KID CAN HANDLE VEHICLE-RELATED EMERGENCIES — HERE’S HOW
YOUR KID CAN HANDLE VEHICLE-RELATED EMERGENCIES — HERE’S HOW
Emergencies in your vehicle can happen in a split second, and they require you to respond just as quickly. They aren’t easy things to think about, but early education and thoughtful conversations about emergencies, such as a crash or the vehicle plunging into deep water, can help prepare your child for such situations.
OnStar put together this guide to help you talk with your child before the emergency happens. A thoughtful conversation will help them remain calm so they can act wisely and stay safe in a crisis.
Six Things to do in a Vehicle Emergency
1. Keep Calm
Clear thinking could save a life. Let your child know they should remain calm by taking a deep breath. This will help them focus on the situation.
2. Know When to Get Out
Teach your child when it’s OK to get out of the vehicle. If they smell gasoline or see flames, they should get out as quickly and safely as possible. Make sure your child understands that the safest spot is away from moving cars.
3. Know When to Stay Inside
It’s equally important to know when to stay in the vehicle. Explain to your child that if there is no gasoline odor, flames or danger of the vehicle being hit by another, they need to lock the vehicle doors and keep their safety belt fastened while they wait for help.
If someone other than a police officer or firefighter comes up to the car, instruct them to only lower the window enough to talk (about one inch). If they need help and the vehicle doesn’t have OnStar or a mobile phone, let them know they can ask the person to call 9-1-1 or their emergency contact.
4. Signal for Help
A vehicle’s hazard lights let people know the vehicle is disabled. Show your child where to find the hazard lights and how to turn them on.
5. Know When to Call for Help
Explain to your child to call 9-1-1 first in an emergency (see The Power of Information on page 6 for the questions 9-1-1 operators might ask).
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar, show your child where the red emergency button is located. Let them know if they press that button, they will be connected to a specially trained Advisor who can help.
6. Check for Injuries
Inform your child that it’s important to make sure they and the other passengers are OK after a crash.
They should contact emergency services if someone is hurt and follow the instructions of the emergency operator.
For more download your e-book here: #KeepingKidsSafe.
Want to talk more? Join the Twitter Party on Wednesday, July 8. for the #KeepingKidsSafe Twitter Party.
Join us for a conversation about vehicle safety and children at the #KeepingKidsSafe Twitter party on WEDNESDAY, July 8. Register to win one of 2 Emergency kits and a $25 gift card on SheBuysCars.com
WHEN: Wednesday, July 8, 2015, from 9 - 10 pm ET
WHO: Host @SheBuysCars
PANELISTS: @ScottyReiss @SueRodman @Judy511 @meaganshamy @karynlocke @LeAuraLuciano @travelermom @DebMomof3 @BeckyAdventure @PaulEisenberg @RWeThereYetMom @dianarowe @shannonentin @CarissaRogers @goodenufmother @RobynsWorld
Follow hashtags #KeepingKidsSafe #SBC
Disclosure: this post has been sponsored, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.