St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Opens the First Hospital-based Safety Store in Florida

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May 05, 2010, 11:15 ET

Families in the Tampa Bay area now have an easier way to keep their children safe in and around their home.

TAMPA, Fla., May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As a first aid and CPR instructor, Jane Cook understands the important role prevention plays when it comes to safety. When her granddaughter outgrew her child passenger safety seat, she went in search of a booster seat that would protect her precious cargo while also fitting her budget. Her efforts led her to The Safety Store, the first hospital-based safety store in the state of Florida.

Located in the lobby of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, The Safety Store provides a comfortable environment for families to shop, learn and ask questions about how to keep children safe. Low-cost injury-prevention products available include safety gates, bike helmets, child passenger safety seats, cabinet locks, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and window blind cord wraps.

“I was impressed to find a store with an injury prevention expert who helped me select the right booster seat for my granddaughter’s size,” said Cook. “Not only does the store have a wide-range of products, but the items are available at a reduced price, which means keeping kids safe doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.”

While most parents strive to protect their families, many are simply unaware of the risks around the home and on the road that present a danger to children. According to Safe Kids USA, every year more than 3 million children ages 14 and under are treated in emergency centers for accidental injuries that occur in the home, and more than 2,000 of these children die as a result of their injuries.

“Although there is no substitute for active supervision, using injury-prevention products provides an extra layer of protection and added peace of mind, “said St. Joseph’s Children’s Advocate Rebecca Kynes. “As the primary provider for children's health needs in this area, we know first hand how devastating injuries can be, as well as how easily they can be prevented with some simple prevention measures.”

The store is staffed by trained Child Advocates who help families determine their safety needs and select appropriate products. The specialists also provide free education on how to use and maintain the safety products, including demonstrations on how to install a child passenger seat and the correct way to wear a bike helmet.

The Safety Store is open Monday – Friday. For more information, please call (813) 443-3057 or visit www.stjosephschildrens.com.

SOURCE St. Joseph's Children's Hospital