Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death worldwide, with bathrooms being particularly high-risk areas, especially for young children. Bathtubs and toilets, in particular, pose significant hazards. Here are essential tips for preventing drowning incidents in these areas:

Bathtubs:

1. Supervision: Make sure you stay with in arms reach of the bathtub, at all times with your full attention on the child. Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub, even for a moment.
2. Be Prepared: Have all bathroom necessities with you before starting bath time including towel, soap, etc. Never leave the bathroom once bath time has started, even to grab a towel or answer the phone.
3. Water Level: Fill the tub with only a few inches of water for young children. Avoid overfilling, remember supervision is key as even shallow water can pose a drowning risk.
4. Non-slip Mats: Place non-slip mats or adhesives inside the tub to prevent slips and falls, reducing the risk of submersion incidents.
5. Drain Covers: Install drain covers to prevent hair or limbs from getting trapped, minimizing the risk of drowning or injury.
6. Emptying: Always drain the tub immediately after use and keep bathroom doors closed to prevent unsupervised access. 

Toilets:

1. Childproofing: Install toilet seat locks to prevent children from opening the lid and accessing the water. Babies’ heads are disproportionate to the rest of their body. If they were to lean in, they don’t have the strength to pull themselves out. (The same can happen with buckets and dog water dishes.)
2. Supervision: Keep bathroom doors closed and supervise young children to ensure they do not play near toilets or attempt to reach inside.
3. Lid Closure: Always keep toilet lids closed, even when not in use, to prevent accidental falls or exploration by children or pets.

By following these simple yet crucial safety measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of drowning incidents in bathtubs and toilets, creating safer environments for everyone, especially children. Vigilance and proactive safety measures are key to preventing tragedies and promoting a safe bathroom environment.

For more information visit our website at:  https://fire.mesaaz.gov/residents/fire-medical/fire-life-safety-education/water-safety

The Hard Facts About Sleep Safety

• Unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death among children under 1 year old.
• Nearly 3,500 infants die each year in the United States from sleep-related infant deaths..
• Causes of sleep-related infant deaths include suffocation, entrapment, strangulation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Top Safety Tips for Sleep Safety

1. Place babies on their backs for naps and at night until they are one year old. Make sure babies sleep on a firm, flat surface in their own crib, bassinet or play yard.
2. Choose a firm mattress and fitted sheet for baby’s crib. Remove toys, blankets, pillows, bumper pads and other accessories from the crib.
3. Dress baby in a wearable blanket, onesie or similar clothing for every sleep. A loose blanket could cover baby’s airway or make their body temperature too high.
4. Share your room, not your bed. Place baby’s crib or bassinet in your bedroom instead of letting baby sleep in the same bed with you.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble your crib. Make sure to complete and submit the product registration card to learn about any recalls or safety updates.

To learn more about Sleep Safe:  CLICK HERE

This is a Safe Kids Worldwide program. You can find more information at www.safekids.org.

My name is Deena Woods, and I am a Firefighter/Engineer with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department.  I will be retiring in June after almost 30 years on the job.

I have raised two amazing children throughout my career and am very proud of their accomplishments.  My 24-year-old son currently serves in the USAF and is stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey working with special munitions.  He is married (no kids yet), fluent in Russian, and will be re-entering the Air Force’s Airborne Linguist program next year. My 21-year-old daughter will graduate from Grand Canyon University this April with a degree in Forensic Psychology/Counseling and has recently been accepted into three different Graduate/Doctoral programs across the country—now she just has to pick one!

I was promoted to Engineer in April of 2000, two days after my son was born, and have been assigned to and driving Ladder 204 ever since.   As a fire department Engineer, I am responsible for the daily driving and operation of the fire truck, including all portable equipment.  Ladder 204 is a 100’ Aerial Platform Ladder truck, and one of two Technical Rescue Team (or “TRT”) units within the city.  As TRT Technicians, members complete an additional 5-week training course (200 hours) in various specialty rescue operations such as Confined Space Rescue, Trench Collapse/Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Technical Rope Rescue, Structural Collapse and Shoring, Palm Tree Rescue, and Helicopter Operations. Quarterly continuing education is required to maintain this certification.  I have been a TRT member since 1998 and am the only female on the team.

I was also cross trained as a Hazardous Materials Technician for six years (a separate 5-week training class), a fire investigator for three years, and when the fire department formed an Honor Guard/Pipes and Drum band to honor a member who passed away from occupational cancer, I joined shortly after.  The Honor Guard is 100% volunteer.  I played the bagpipes for 17 years and to this day playing bagpipes, especially at a public safety member’s line of duty memorial service, is one of the hardest things I have ever done.

As a former competitive swimmer, lifeguard, and swim coach I found that I truly loved working with kids.  This, in addition to a rollover accident my first year on the job that almost killed me, led me to getting involved with our High School Driver Safety Program, which I have taught for the past 28 years.  It is one of the most rewarding things I get to do.  The program is a 45-minute presentation shown to high school Drivers Education classes that graphically depicts what happens when alcohol, drugs, and/or inattention mix with driving.  I am very passionate about this program because of both my own accident and what we see daily as firefighters—I am living proof that seatbelts save lives and I share this message with every class I teach.  The program has recently led to a more in-depth community presentation targeting teen drivers, soon to be drivers, and their parents entitled, ‘Decisions Determine Destiny”.