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Tips For Keeping Kids Safe During Travel

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By CAROL PARKER

cparker@tampatrib.com

Published: December 12, 2008

Whether you're traveling on the road or in the friendly skies, Alison Rhodes, also known as "The Safety Mom," shares these tips for keeping your children safe in a plane, train, automobile or hotel room.

Be sure the seat fits. Put your child in an age-appropriate car seat that's correctly positioned with a secure seatbelt. Also, place a neon sticker on the side with important information so emergency workers can assist should you be unable to.

Get ready for take-off. The safest place for a child in a plane is in an approved child restraint system, not on your lap. This is a hard-backed safety seat that's government approved for use in motor vehicles or aircrafts.

Plan ahead. Find the name of a local pediatrician and pharmacy at your destination. Also create a first-aid kit to bring with you that includes all necessary medications and first-aid items.

Label your kids. Create a tag listing your cell phone number, the name of the hotel where you're staying and any medical conditions the child has. You can tape a piece of paper to the inside of his or her shoe or buy wrist ID bands such as Vital IDs from Belly Charms (www.vitalids.com).

Create a plan. Upon arriving at your hotel, review a fire escape plan with the family. Show family members the fire exits and pick a meeting spot outside should you become separated. Also bring a portable door alarm, which will sound if the door is opened and your child has left the room. In addition, cover electrical outlets with bandages and tie rubberbands around the handles of cabinet drawers containing dangerous items.

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