(4/27/99)

Most parents child proof their homes to make them safe for little ones. But what about grandparents?

A new survey released today shows that many well- intentioned grandparents are missing some important safety information. News Specialist Stacey Butler tells us more.

Jackie Frazier is pretty sure her home is grandchild proof.

"Most of the things are not breakable and I try to keep them on the bottom shelf so that they are not in danger," she says.

A new survey released today by the National Safe Kids Campaign shows that as well intentioned as they are, grandparents' homes could be danger zones and they don't even know it.

For example, while almost all grandparents report having smoke alarms, only 41 percent think it's necessary to check the batteries once a month.

Most use child resistant packaging on medicines, but only 44 percent have safety latches on cabinets.

And Jackie Frazier's home is no exception.

"And this is the rubber band and I know that's probably a no no, but it's worked pretty well so far. I put a real heavy one on," she says.

But experts say children could choke on the rubber bands and get into deadly chemicals.

One third of grandparents polled say they don't think it's critical to use child safety seats for some children.

And, only one in ten has taken a c.p.r. and first aid training class within the last year.

Now the Safe Kids Campaign is airing a national wake up call.

Former Surgeon General, Dr. C. Everett Koop, says, "Whether grandparents see their grandchildren once a year, every day, or for an occasional night of babysitting--they need to know how to protect them from injury."

Jackie says, "Your rules today are so different from when I was raising kids. Probably I've missed a lot, hopefully not."

Mrs. Frazier isn't any different from other well-intentioned grandparents.

With 9 out of 10 grandparents caring for their grandchildren at some point during the year, experts say grandparents need to be aware of the hazards.