Amusement park safety |
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Every year, nationwide, an estimated 8,000
children ages 14 and under are treated in emergency rooms for injuries involving
thrill rides at amusement parks and traveling carnivals; in an average year,
three or four die. Portable carnival rides are subject to safety regulations enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Amusement park rides at a fixed location are not subject to federal safety standards. In Indiana, amusement parks are regulated by Indiana Regulated Amusement Device Safety Board subject to state law. Parents and caregivers need to decide whether their children are capable of sitting properly on a ride and following the operator’s instructions.
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Clay Fire reminds parents:
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Role-model proper safety behavior. A 2005 report by Safe Kids
Worldwide shows that children are more likely to follow safety rules
when they see their parents doing so.
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Supervise your child getting on and off a ride. Make sure the
child understands all announcements and posted rules. Also, don’t allow
children to supervise younger children on rides.
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Always use the safety equipment provided. Safety belts, lap bars,
chains, handrails and other safety features are there for a reason.
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Never get off a moving ride. Wait until the ride comes to a
complete stop. Also, if a ride stops due to a mechanical problem or
safety concern, stay seated and wait for instructions.
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Don’t let children ride if they’re too tired to comply with
safety procedures. On some rides, it’s important to stay upright and
face forward. Also, don’t pressure kids to go on a ride they’re afraid
of, as they’re more likely to sit incorrectly or even try to get off.
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Note the limitations of safety devices. Lap bars and chains are
not physical restraints — their main function is to remind the occupant
to stay seated. If a small child sits next to a large adult, a lap bar
might not offer the child much protection.
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Trust your instincts. If a ride looks like it is poorly
maintained or an operator seems to be inattentive or unfit, don’t let
your children ride. While most operators pay close attention to safety,
there are exceptions, as in any industry. |
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Contact us |
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STAFF |
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David Cherrone Fire Marshal Email Ron Melser Jr. Lieutenant, Fire Prevention Specialist Email | ||||||
Office Hours |
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Date Last Modified: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Mailing Address: 18355 Auten Road, South Bend, IN 46637 Any problems please email: Webmaster |