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1. What happens if my baby is crying and I shake it?

There is a possibility of life long problems and/or death.

2. How do I prevent myself from causing these injuries?

Do not throw or shake your baby. If you feel yourself losing control, walk away. Go into the next room. Call a friend, listen to the radio or watch TV. If you are still having problems call DSS at 938-5460 or after hours call 455-3113 and ask for the emergency duty social worker. We can help make referrals to other agencies.

3. How do I keep my child safe around water?

Never leave your child unattended around the tub, toilet, a bucket of water, the pool, ocean or any other area of water. If the water is deep enough to cover the child’s mouth and nose it is deep enough for your child to drown in. Remember, it only takes a few seconds for your child to slip away from you.

4. What places a child at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Children should always be placed on a firm mattress without pillows or additional blankets and should be placed on their side or back. They should be in a smoke free environment where the temperature of the room is comfortable but is not too warm. The mother should receive prenatal care and the child should receive his/her shots on time. If the child is sick he/she should be taken to the Doctor immediately.

5. Is my child safe around the guns in my house?

North Carolina law requires that all firearms must be stored in a safe manner so that an unsupervised child cannot gain access to the gun. At the present time Wes Cowen with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Department has gun locks available for free and can be contacted at 910-455-3113.

6. At what age can my child be left alone?

Children should never be left alone in the car as the temperature in the car can quickly rise placing the children at risk. Based on the children’s maturity level and if there are no physical or mental issues, the guidelines for Onslow County state that:
- A child age 8-10 can be left alone for short periods of time;
- From age 11-15 a child can be left alone for several hours, but not overnight;
- From age 16 on children of this age can be left alone for several days if they are comfortable with the situation.

Please call PMO for base housing rules.

7. At what age can a child baby sit?

Children ages 12 to 15 can baby sit children ages at least 2, this does not mean for overnight stays. Children16 and older can baby sit any age child overnight. Please call PMO for base housing rules.

8. What do I do if I want to give up my child who is 7 days old or younger?

Visit the Safe Surrender website.