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Kid safety, continued ...Published: February, 2010

Not all dangers are accidental, though. Parents need to keep their children vigilant against “stranger danger.” As sad as it is, letting young children walk home alone or even play outside alone can have dire consequences with all the predators out there.
   
While Facebook and Twitter are popular and often useful resources, children need to be monitored and educated about the threats on social media sites and chat-rooms.
   
While accidents and tragedies will always be with us, they can be avoided. Many are probably unaware that four out of five car seats are improperly installed, or that the leading cause of death for children and teenagers is automobile crashes.
   
And the second leading cause of death for children? Drowning. A few years back, I was at a friend’s house for a backyard pool party. My son, Nathan, was a toddler and not able to swim in the pool. He amused himself by playing with a ball and a toy basketball hoop. I kept close watch on him, but let my guard down for a second to help his sister dry off. Seconds later, I looked up and he was in the pool.
   
Luckily, one of the dads in the pool pushed him over to the side, where I pulled him out. He was fine. A little soggy, but fine.
   
I was struck at just how fast it all happened.
   
So let’s keep all those whom we love safe and sound for many Valentine’s Days to come.

Tony Dodero is a longtime Orange County journalist and former editor of the Daily Pilot.

Contact him at doderocommunications.com.

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