While most of us are worried about protecting our children against external threats child, child safety awareness begins in the home. According to the Home Safety Council, each year almost 20 million medical visits and 20,000 deaths are the result of accidents in the home. Fortunately, the majority of these instances can be prevented by taking additional precautions.
Following are some child safety tips that can help keep your children safer in the home.
Never Leave a Child Unattended in or Around Water.
Drowning can occur in a matter of minutes- in as little as an inch or two of water. If you must leave the room while the child is bathing, wrap the child in a towel and take him/her with you.
If you have a pool or hot tub in the back yard, make sure that the area is fenced in. If you have a security system, activate the “chime” feature to alert you when a door is opened. Consider placing an outdoor contact on the fence which can alert you if the gate to the pool is opened.
Make sure to regulate water temperature to prevent scalding. Set the temperature at or below 120 degrees on your water heater.
Childproof Electrical Outlets
Electrical shock can be a killer. Be sure to keep children away from electrical cords and ensure that all unused electrical outlets have childproof plastic covers. Do not use radios or hair dryers near water and keep children away from electrical appliances.
Keep Small Items Out of Reach
Because of a child’s natural tendency to place items in their mouths, one must take great care to be wary of small objects that might create an obstruction in their internal airways and create choking. The greatest risks are actually food items such as nuts, candy, hotdogs, grapes and popcorn-so keep these out of reach and make sure to cut all meals and snacks into bite-sized, easily swallowed pieces.
Avoid purchasing toys with many small parts for toddlers and keep small household items such as coins, buttons, jewelry, small balls etc. stowed away. Purses, handbags and briefcases often contain potential hazards, and should be kept out of harm’s way as well.
Prevent Accidental Suffocation
Suffocation is a leading cause of unintentional death. Nearly 60% of reported cases occur in the crib or sleeping area. Make sure an infant’s sleeping environment is clear of comforters, stuffed animals and pillows which can cover a baby’s mouth and nose-restricting the airways and making it difficult to breath. Dress the baby warmly and use a light blanket which is tucked in so that it can’t be pulled over the child’s head.
As children get older, make sure they understand the dangers of suffocation and take precautions to eliminate potential hazards in children’s play areas.
- Remove doors from old refrigerators.
- Remove locks from trunks and furniture so that they can be opened from the inside.
- Keep the trash bags, dry cleaning wraps etc. out of reach.
Secure Chemicals and Cleaning Materials
Many household products are potentially dangerous if swallowed. Be sure to install cabinet guards or locks where chemicals, cleaners or medicines are stored. Even such innocuous items such as toiletries and cosmetics can be dangerous. Curious children like to imitate 
their parents…but, even hairspray, perfume, cologne, nail polish remover and mouthwash can be harmful to young children.
Make sure that potentially hazardous areas, such as hobby rooms and workshops, are closed and have childproof locks or doorknob covers. If you suspect a child has ingested anything that is potentially harmful you can contact the American Association of Poison Control immediately at 1.800.222.1222. Trained experts are standing by 24/7 who can assist you with treatment. If you have a home security system, you can activate an emergency medical panic alert which will summons help immediately, and put you on the line with a trained operator.
If you would like more information on how a home security system can help make your home safer, check out our Top Alarm Companies.
Please feel free to comment below and leave your child safety tips.
Last Updated on February 11, 2016 by
