Household injuries are one of the top reasons kids under age 3 visit the emergency room, and nearly 70% of children who die from unintentional injuries at home are 4 years old and under. Younger children have the highest risk of being injured at home because that's where they spend most of their time.
Supervision is the best way to prevent injuries, in the home and outside, but even the most watchful parents can't keep kids completely out of harm's way every second of the day.
Fortunately, many of these incidents can be easily prevented if parents follow these accident prevention tips:
Living room
Store away any small objects like coins, small toys, or souvenirs that a child may swallow.
Use a cordless phone to make it easier for you to continuously watch young children.
Children like to mimic adults. It is very important that you carefully watch your actions in front of children. Never let your children see you take medication and store bottles well out of reach. You should also not smoke in front of your children. They may try to play “grown-up” by taking your medication or playing with a lighter.
Use corner and edge bumpers to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Use door stops and door holders to help prevent injuries to fingers and hands.
Use safety gates to help keep children away from stairs or rooms that may be dangerous. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty.
Use lead-free low-emission water-based paint in all living areas in the home.
Install a carpet in all rooms to soften the impact of your children's tumble and stumble.
Kitchen
Never put inedible products in food or drink containers. Children may not be able to read the label and could put something dangerous in their mouth.
Keep sharp objects such as scissors and knives out of reach. Make sure that drawers have stops to prevent them from being fully pulled out.
Cook on the rear stove elements to prevent children from reaching up and burning their hands.
Store cleaners, disinfectants, bleach, and other chemical agents in a locked cupboard or on a high shelf.
Bathroom
Never leave children unsupervised in the bath. Put non-slip stickers on the bottom of the bathtub.
Consider installing shower and bath rails as they are a very good safety measure for the whole family.
Use outlet covers to help prevent electrocution. Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them.
Fire hazards
Keep candles, matches, and cigarette lighters away from children’s reach. Install a smoke detector on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you of fires.
Install a Carbon Monoxide detector outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, near the fireplace, and on the bedrooms level, and make sure you know how to use them in case of an emergency. It may save someone's live in a crucial moment.
What is childhood without the ability to explore? It is natural for children to explore their world with all their senses. However, this can mean they will also venture to dangerous areas in the home.
Although many people usually think of babies and toddlers when they hear the word "childproofing", however, unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 years old and under. Young kids have the highest risk of being injured at home because that is where they spend most of their time so why not take all measures to ensure their safety.
By following the steps above you will be taking the first step to protecting your loved ones to ensure they have a safe environment in your home.
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