Helping to safeguard against e.Coli and other harmful germs
Petting farms and zoos are a wonderful way to introduce children to animals, allowing them to get “up close and personal” with smaller and friendlier creatures in a way that just isn’t possible in a more traditional zoo type setting.
A very important part of this educational approach must be to teach kids effective hand washing techniques, according to a recent article on the Parentology website.
The report by
Hurtado quotes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which acknowledges the importance of educational visits, but flags up the importance of effective hand hygiene during such activities.
“Every year, many people get sick after visiting an animal exhibit. From 2010-2015, about 100 outbreaks of illness in people linked to animals in public settings like zoos, fairs, and educational farms were reported to public health officials.”
Teach hand washing – with soap and water
Wash your hands – and those of any child in your care – thoroughly says the report. Every time you come into contact with animals, or the areas they live in, you must wash straight away afterwards.
Soap and water washing is by far the best method runs the advice.
“Running water and soap are the most effective tools for eliminating these types of germs. If hand sanitizer is the only available option, make sure it contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Be sure to follow up with soap and water as soon as possible.”
Petting zoo germ safety: what you need to know »
Soap and water hand washing – indoors and out!
A Kiddiwash Xtra or KiddiSynk portable hand washing sink can be positioned right next to any animal enclosure – helping to ensure that children dramatically reduce the risk of infection as they finish at any petting farm.
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
Free EYFS downloads for preschool, nursery
There is a number of PDF documents that will help to educate and entertain the children in your care: they all have a hand washing theme. They are free to use and distribute for everyone.
