Parent Engagement Tips January 2021

Parent Engagement Tips banner for January 2021Smoke alarms 

Smoke alarms provide early notification of a fire and increase your chance of surviving unharmed by up to 50 percent. It is the law to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. 

Make sure to follow these steps:

  • Install smoke alarms outside each separate sleeping area, on every level of your home (including the basement), and in each bedroom. 
  • For best protection have alarms interconnected, so when one sounds they all sound. 
  • Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button. 
  • Replace all battery and electrically powered smoke alarms every 10 years. 
  • Teach young children to recognize the sound of the smoke alarm. Help children understand that the smoke alarm sound means get outside, and stay outside.

Strengthening connections

Building community with your child’s school is an important part of their education journey. In a virtual world, building connections looks different. Mutual sharing with the teacher through email may be one way to build and strengthen relationships. Volunteering for a school project by promoting it on social media might be another way. The Canadian Mental Health Association has also developed online resources, including apps to help with increasing social connection and to help with mental wellness.

Respiratory etiquette questions and answers

What? Preventing the spread of germs to others.  

Why? A cough can spread 3,000 droplets and travel up to 80 km per hour. A sneeze can expel 100,000 droplets and travel up to 160 km per hour! 

Where? Droplets can travel in the air and land on surfaces like countertops, cell phones, and toys.      

When? All the time!

Lead by example and teach children respiratory etiquette by:

  1. Covering up – cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in the wastebasket. Don’t forget to wash your hands after using soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds! Hand sanitizer can be used if water isn’t available. See the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s hand sanitizer instructions for more information.
  2. Using your arm – sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve or elbow when you don’t have a tissue. 
  3. MaskingWhen out in public and physical distancing is not possible, wear a face mask. When in a TLDSB school, wear a face mask. By wearing a mask, you are protecting others and stopping the spread of COVID-19.

For more information refer to Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s Respiratory Etiquette or Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Routine Practices resources.

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