Trinity Mount Ministries

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Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts

Monday, October 11, 2021

Trinity Mount Ministries - McGruff - Child Safety Tips!

 Top 10 Home Safety Tips for Kids

 


Home -- it's where children grow and learn, the place where they find comfort, love and care. It's where they can see, touch, explore and experience the world around them, so their minds and bodies develop properly. It's also a place where children need to feel safe.


However, home injuries are a leading source of accidental death for children. Almost 21 million medical visits and 20,000 deaths each year are the result of accidents in the home [source: Home Safety Council ]. Media reports bring attention to the possible accidents that can occur, such as being bitten by a trusted pet, choking on balloons or wandering out the front door.

 

Fortunately, home injuries are largely avoidable through education and prevention. Parents can take proactive steps to childproof the home and keep their children safe by teaching them a few practical rules.

 

Take a look at the top 10 home safety tips for children.

 

10 Never Leave Children Alone Near Water

Splashing around in the water at bath time or playtime is great fun for children, yet water presents many possible hazards. Drowning can occur in less than an inch of water, making bathtubs, sinks, pools and even pails a source of great danger. For safety, it's essential to prevent situations that may lead to accidents.

 

Never leave a child unattended near water, even for just a few seconds. If the phone or doorbell rings while your baby or young child is in the bathtub, pick him up, wrap him in a towel and take him with you. Do not leave him alone: It takes only a few seconds for drowning to occur. If you leave your baby with a caregiver, make sure he or she knows your safety rules.

 

Backyard pools, hot tubs, wading pools, even small koi or fishponds, can become dangerous in an instant. Make sure you have a fence around the pool or pond to keep young children from venturing where they shouldn't, and consider an alarm system on doors leading out to the pool area. Hot tubs should be covered when they are not in use. Wading pools or splash pools should always be emptied when playtime is over.

 

Scalding burns from hot water are also a potential concern. To be safe, lower your hot water heater settings to 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) to avoid scalding by water that comes out of the bathtub or sink faucets. Test bath water temperature with your hand or elbow to make sure it is at a comfortable temperature before lowering your child into the tub.

 

9 Keep Cleaning Materials and Other Chemicals Away from Children

From detergent to deodorant, many household products are potentially poisonous to kids if swallowed. To childproof your house, think from a child's perspective, even getting down on your hands and knees to see things from your child's point of view.

 

Be sure to install cabinet guards on any cabinet where cleaners, chemicals or garden fertilizers are stored. Keep these products in their original container; do not store them in a container where they might be mistaken for food.

 

If there are certain rooms that aren't childproofed or contain many potential hazards, such as a workshop or a hobby room, keep the door closed and install a doorknob cover or childproof lock.

 

Store all medicines in a locked cabinet, away from a child's reach. Even cabinets that are up high need a lock, because curious kids might climb up to see what's inside.

 

Never leave cosmetics and toiletries within easy reach. Children like to mimic the things they see their parents doing, and everyday products like perfume, hairspray, nail polish and remover, even mouthwash, can be harmful to children.

If an accident occurs despite all of your precautions, and you find your child holding a half-used bottle of detergent, contact the American Association of Poison Control immediately at 1.800.222.1222. Experts are on-call to help guide you to the most appropriate first aid and the next step for treatment.

 

8 Any Firearms Should Be Unloaded and Locked Away

It's estimated that 42 percent of all U.S. homes have a firearm, and if you choose to have one, it's your responsibility to know how to use it safely. Make sure it is not stored loaded with ammunition and lock it away in a safe place that is not accessible by children. Gun safes, locked cabinets and other options are available for secure storage.

 

Talking with children about the dangers of guns is extremely important, especially if your child comes into contact with a gun in someone else's home. The National Rifle Association recommends that children should be taught simple gun safety at an early age. Teach them the safe response if they see a gun: "Stop! Don't touch! Tell an adult! Leave the area!"

 

7 Keep Sleeping Areas as Bare as Possible, Especially for Babies

Suffocation is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, and 60 percent of these cases occur in a baby's sleeping environment. An infant's nose and mouth can be covered accidently by soft fluffy pillows, comforters or stuffed animals, restricting his or her ability to breathe. Keep your baby's crib as bare as possible. Use one light blanket and tuck the bottom underneath the end of the mattress to create a pocket. The blanket should only reach to the center of your baby's chest so that it can't be pulled over his head. As the weather get cooler, dress your baby in warmer pajamas instead of adding blankets, or consider using sleep sacks [source: Parents].

 

As children get older, talk to them about the dangers of suffocation and be diligent in providing safe areas for play. Watch out for potential hazards and find ways to make them safer, such as:


  • Remove lids or locks from furniture or trunks to prevent a child from climbing inside and finding it cannot be opened from the inside
  • Remove doors from old refrigerators or freezers
  • Keep plastic sacks, such as grocery bags or dry cleaning wraps, out of reach
  • Lock the car trunk and keep car keys hidden

 

6 Cover Electrical Outlets and Protect Children from Electrical Wires

Electrical shock causes deaths and injuries each year. An electrical shock occurs whenever a child touches an electrically charged object, while touching another surface that can conduct the electricity to the ground. Proper grounding, electrical safety devices and avoiding hazardous situations can help prevent electrical shock in children.


Childproof your home from electric shock with these safety tips:


  • Cover unused electrical sockets with plastic covers
  • Repair or discard any damaged appliances or electric cords
  • Keep young children away from electrical appliances
  • Teach kids to respect electricity as early as possible
  • Do not use a hair dryer or radio near water

Electricity is also a common cause of household fires. If you notice unusual odors, flickering lights or unusual power surges, have an electrician inspect your house and make sure the wiring system is safe.

 

5 Keep Small Items and Food Out of Reach

Many injuries occur when children are unable to breathe because food or other objects block their internal airways and cause choking. Most choking injuries occur with food items, so cut your child's meals and snacks into bite-sized pieces. Children are at risk from choking on small candies, nuts, hotdogs, grapes, carrots and popcorn, so keep these foods out of their reach.

 

Make sure small household items, such as coins, buttons, jewelry, small balls and pins, are stored away from a child's reach to avoid accidental choking. Don't select toys with many small parts. Look for labeling on toys with small parts that warn they are not safe for children under 3 years old.

 

Beware of the hidden dangers that lurk inside handbags and briefcases. Children are naturally curious about what's in Grandma's purse, but loose coins, gum, small candies, medicine, cosmetics, cigarettes, matches or other items commonly stashed in a purse can be deadly to a small child. So when Grandma (or another relative or friend) comes to visit, make sure her belongings are kept safely out of reach (and yours are, too).




 4 Install a Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector


According to the U.S. Fire Administration, two-thirds of home fires that kill children under 5 occur in homes without a working fire alarm [source: U.S. Fire Administration]. When a fire breaks out, you have seconds to escape the heat, smoke and deadly gases. Families can increase their chance of survival by installing and

maintaining smoke alarms and following a few simple procedures:


  • Install a smoke alarm on every level of your house
  • Test the alarms once every month and change the batteries every year
  • Make sure your children are familiar with the sound of the fire alarm
  • Have a fire escape plan that you can discuss, even with your youngest child, and arrange a family meeting place outside if the alarm does go off

Carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas, is also a danger to families with children. Any burning fuel creates carbon monoxide. If central heating, fireplaces, space heaters, water heaters or furnaces are not properly ventilated or leak, the dangerous gases can escape. Install a carbon monoxide detector along with your fire detector, and keep it properly maintained, to help ensure your home is safe.

 

3 Secure Windows, Block Stairways and Lock Doors

Accidental falls are one of the most common types of injuries to children, and taking some simple precautions can help avoid a serious problem. The severity of the injury often depends on the distance of the fall, so be aware of the dangers of heights. Never let your child sit on a bed or counter unattended. Keep stairs and hallways clear and free of clutter that could cause a child to trip and take a tumble, and install safety gates to block a toddler's access to a staircase.

 

Many injuries to older toddlers and preschool children result from falling out of an unsecured window. To avoid injuries, keep windows locked and screens in place. A young child could squeeze through a window opened as little as 5 inches (12.7 centimeters). Screens are not strong enough to keep a child inside. Discourage play near windows and patio doors, which could lead to a fall through glass. And don't store or display anything a child could climb near a window.

 

Keep young children from wandering out the front door by keeping it locked. It's a smart habit.

 

2 Keep Children Safe Around the Family Pet

Pets bring love and companionship to families. However, more than 155,000 children in the U.S. are bitten by pets each year, and most bites occur at home with familiar pets [source: Kaiser Permanente]. Every pet has the potential to bite, especially if he or she feels scared, threatened or overly excited.

 

Here's how you can help keep children safe around your family's furry friends.


  • Choose a pet that suits your family's lifestyle. Learn how much space and exercise a breed needs, and make sure you are committed to meeting those needs. An active terrier may need long walks and a yard to play in, while another breed's needs for exercise and space are minimal. Some breeds are great with families, while others are devoted to a single master.

  • Never leave your child alone with a pet.
  • Spay or neuter your pet to help decrease aggression.
  • Do not play rough games, wrestle or try to hug your dog.
  • Teach children not to approach Fido when he is eating.
  • Never try to take a toy, bone or treat away from a pet.
  • Warn your child to stay away from an animal who is caring for its young, growling or showing its teeth, or acting strangely.

Teach your children these simple rules about how to behave around an unfamiliar pet:


  • Ask permission before you approach and touch someone else's pet
  • If the owner says it's OK, allow the animal to sniff your closed hand
  • Stand quietly and back away if you see warning signs such as growling, bared teeth, ears thrown back or staring
 
1 Be Prepared for an Emergency

No matter how well you childproof your home or try to prevent accidents, one of the best things you can do is prepare yourself for an emergency. To help keep your kids safe, it's smart to:

  • Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the abdominal thrust procedure (Heimlich maneuver)
  • Assemble a first aid kit with emergency instructions
  • Keep important numbers near your phone such as poison control, your pediatrician, your work and cell phone numbers, and a neighbor or nearby relative

And, as soon as your child is old enough to know her own name and address, teach him or her to dial 9-1-1 to call for help in case of an emergency.


 

Friday, August 20, 2021

Floridians Charged and Convicted in Connection with International Enterprise that Operated Sexually Exploitive ‘Child Modeling’ Websites

 

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JUSTICE NEWS

Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 18, 2021

JUSTICE NEWS


1

Floridians Charged and Convicted in Connection with International Enterprise that Operated Sexually Exploitive ‘Child Modeling’ Websites

A series of charges and convictions were announced today in connection with an international enterprise based in Florida that operated subscription-based sexually exploitive “child modeling” websites.

According to court documents, Kenneth Power (deceased at 58, of Weston), was a principal member of the Newstar Enterprise – an internet-based business aimed at for-profit sexual exploitation of vulnerable children under the guise of “child modeling” through a collection of websites called the Newstar Websites. Patrice Eileen Wilowski-Mevorah, 53, of Tampa, and Mary Lou Bjorkman, 58, of Lutz, recently pleaded guilty to laundering money for the Newstar Enterprise. Other members of the Newstar Enterprise resided in Europe. Kenneth Power’s wife, Tatiana “Tanya” Power, 41, of Weston, is currently pending trial on money laundering charges in connection with the Newstar Enterprise.

According to court documents, founded around 2005, the Newstar Enterprise built, maintained, hosted and operated the Newstar Websites on servers in the United States and abroad. To populate the Newstar Websites with content, Newstar Enterprise members sourced, enticed, solicited and recruited males and females under the age of 18, some of whom were prepubescent, to use as “child models” for the Newstar Websites. Using the recruited child-victims, the Newstar Enterprise produced more than 4.6 million sexualized images and videos to distribute and sell on the Newstar Websites. Some of those images and videos, though non-nude, depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. For example, images and videos sold on the Newstar Websites depicted children as young as 6 years old in sexual and provocative poses, wearing police and cheerleader costumes, thong underwear, transparent underwear, revealing swimsuits, pantyhose and miniskirts. Most of the child-victims - recruited from Ukraine, Moldova and other nations in Eastern Europe - were particularly vulnerable due to their age, family dynamics and poverty. Law enforcement officers have disabled the servers hosting the Newstar Websites.

The Newstar Enterprise maintained a membership list for subscribers and customers of the Newstar Websites, who originated from 101 nations across the world. Images in the websites’ galleries were freely available to the public to preview, but greater access and more content required purchasing a subscription. The sale of purported “child modeling” content on the Newstar Websites generated more than $9.4 million during the course of the conspiracy. To process, receive and distribute this money, Newstar Enterprise members fraudulently opened merchant and bank accounts in the United States and laundered proceeds using a bogus jewelry company. 

To date, four members of the Newstar Enterprise have been charged in connection with the Newstar Websites. The chart below shows the statuses of each case. 

Name

Case Number

Charge(s)

Status

Maximum Penalty

Tatiana Power

8:21-cr-244-MSS-AAS

Conspiracy to commit money laundering; international promotion money laundering; concealment money laundering

Indicted,

pending trial

100 years’ imprisonment

Kenneth Power

8:21-cr-00032-SDM-AAS

Conspiracy to advertise child pornography; conspiracy to distribute child pornography

Defendant deceased; case dismissed

60 years’ imprisonment

Patrice Wilowski-Mevorah

8:21-cr-00206-MSS-TGW

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Pleaded guilty, sentence pending

20 years’ imprisonment

Mary Lou

Bjorkman

8:21-cr-00227-SDM-AAS

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Pleaded guilty, sentence pending

20 years’ imprisonment

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The defendants have also been notified that the United States intends to forfeit a total of $9.4 million, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses, in addition to real property located in Florida.

These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa, with substantial assistance provided by Homeland Security Investigations offices in Fort Lauderdale, Athens, and the Hague, as well as the IRS-Criminal Investigation in Tampa. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided investigative assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Murray of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Kyle Reynolds of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting these cases.

This investigation benefited from foreign law enforcement cooperation and substantial assistance by the Republic of Bulgaria, Supreme Cassation Prosecution Office and National Investigation Service; the Republic of Moldova, Office of the Prosecutor General and National Inspectorate of Investigations; the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Department for Combating Crime Cybercrime Office, Public Prosecution Service (North-Holland Unit); the Italian Republic; and the Czech Republic, Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office, Czech Police.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

More time at home for kids heightens concern for water safety

BY 


(Pixabay Photo)
PHOENIX – Like most summer programs and activities for kids throughout Arizona, a camp that offers free swim lessons and water safety education in Phoenix had to be canceled this year.

And that’s a big concern for Karen Cohn.
She and her husband lost their son Zachary Archer Cohn in a pool drain entrapment in their backyard swimming pool in 2007. A year later, they founded the ZAC Foundation in his honor.

The Connecticut-based nonprofit educates kids and their families about the importance of water safety.

But this will be the first time in a decade that the group will not be able to hold its four-day ZAC Camp nationwide, including Phoenix, where about 100 kids ages 5-9 participate every summer.

Cohn said water safety is even more urgent now with the coronavirus pandemic.
She said not only are water safety summer camps and programs like the ZAC camps canceled, parents are more distracted as they try to juggle working from home and trying to supervise their kids.

One way she said parents are trying to keep their kids entertained is by “running out and buying kiddie pools and inflatable pools without being aware of the danger that they could pose to young children.”
Drowning is a leading cause of death for young children ages 1 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“A young child can drown in less than 2 inches of water,” Cohn said.
“So even if you have a bucket that has water left in it, young children can fall in and not be able to get themselves back up right.”
The latest data from Children’s Safety Zone shows 10 children under 5 have drowned in Maricopa and Pinal counties so far this year.

Cohn said now more than ever she feels it’s urgent to educate parents about water safety, starting with never leaving a child alone anywhere near water, even if a lifeguard is present.

She also recommends adding layers of protection to keep kids from reaching above-ground pools. That includes ensuring that pools are fenced and have self-latching gates or alarms.
For smaller and inflatable pools, Cohn recommends emptying the water and turning them upside down when they’re not being used.
“It’s really important to also not leave toys in these pools, because children are attracted to those toys,” she said.
She also warned parents about flotation devices, like inflatable floaties and tubes. She said they can give children a false sense of security that they can swim.
“Talk to them about that,” she said. “Also give them the opportunity to get in the water without these flotation devices, so they can understand what it feels like when they’re in the water and they can’t swim.”
And be aware of pool drains. She said if a drain is not working properly, everyone in the pool should get out immediately.
“No one should be swimming in it until it’s repaired,” she said. “Not only can children become entrapped, adults can as well. It’s hundreds of pounds of pressure that can only be released when the pool pumps are shut down.”
More water safety tips can be found on the ZAC Foundation’s website.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Safety experts warn to childproof Christmas electronics:

By Jenny Dreasler

If you got your child a new tablet or cell phone for Christmas, local electronic experts warn if you're not careful, it could compromise your child's safety.

That's why Bob Mitchell with Cell-Tech in Quincy says you need to childproof your electronics. He says many children accidentally download apps that put them in contact with strangers. That's why Mitchell says it's important to only let your child play games that don't require internet access.

Mitchell says there are some free applications you can use to help monitor what your child is doing.

"You can get different apps to track your kid, you know what they do, where they are, there's a good app called 'Life 360' that you can get that way you can track where everybody is it sort of keeps the family tied together, those are nice apps to have," Mitchell says.

Another tip: Mitchell says don't auto save any passwords on electronics. He says this can lead to unwanted purchases on your account. He says unfortunately there are many adult applications out there that look like legitimate children's games.

http://m.wgem.com/w/news-top/story/106209004/

Monday, August 26, 2013

Wanted By The FBI - Seeking Information in Murder of Police Officer:



Seeking Information in Murder of Police Officer

08/26/2013
 
Mollie Halpern: The FBI and its law enforcement partners are seeking information about the murder of police officer Jason Ellis. Chief Division Counsel of the Louisville, Kentucky FBI Mary Trotman…
Mary Trotman: The FBI has just recently approved up to $50,000 for information for the identification, arrest, and convictions of those responsible.
Halpern: I’m Mollie Halpern, and this is Wanted by the FBI. Officer Ellis was headed home at the end of his shift in the early morning of May 25 when he was ambushed on an exit ramp of the Blue Grass Parkway in Bardstown, Kentucky. He was shot multiple times. Kentucky State Police Lieutenant Jeremy Thompson…
Jeremy Thompson: When a police officer is specifically targeted, that is a higher danger to the public.
Halpern: Officer Ellis, a canine handler, played for the Cincinnati Reds minor league baseball team and coached little league.
Thompson: Someone has information, and that information could help us catch the killer of a fine police officer, husband, and father.
Halpern: Report tips to the FBI at (502) 263-6000 or the KSP [Kentucky State Police] at (270) 766-5078. Visit www.fbi.gov for more information.