Are the kids alright?

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Deuel
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As the weather becomes colder and the days become more hectic during the holiday season, parents may lean towards more convenient practices rather than safe ones without realizing it.

"Have you ever thought about leaving [your] child in a nice, warm car while running into the post office or shoppette?" asked Brandy Wyatt, RAF Lakenheath Youth Center school age program coordinator. "Parents should think twice before leaving a child unsupervised in a running vehicle; not only is it dangerous, but it also violates the base supervision guidance."

Aside from the chilling weather and hectic holidays, relying on older children to assist in the supervision could also be unsafe or against RAFL regulations. According to youth supervision guidelines established here, it is illegal for any child under the age of 12 to babysit. It is also recommended that older siblings who can babysit, have Red Cross babysitting training.

"It's important to remember those older siblings are not guardians," said Wyatt.

Also under the youth supervision guidelines, children under the age of 12 cannot be left unattended outside without ready access to adult supervision. Additionally, no child under the age of 15 can be left alone overnight. Lack of supervision can lead to children being involved in avoidable accidents.

"Here at RAF Lakenheath we have construction projects and traffic environment [that] is not conducive to children running around," said Master Sgt. Justin Grant, 48th Fighter Wing Safety Office ground safety manager. "I believe parental supervision is very important regardless of whether you live in the confines of the base or off-base."

The approaching holidays should instill good memories for years to come so don't let your holidays be ruined with an accident caused by lack of supervision.

"Don't let a matter of convenience lead to a lifetime of regret," said Wyatt.
For more information, please refer to the youth supervision guidelines attached to this article.