“The way to avoid accidents is to avoid the conditions that cause them.”
Home is where children grow and learn, the place where they find comfort, love,
and care. It’s where they can see, touch, explore, and experience the
world around them, so their minds and bodies develop properly. It’s also
a place where children need to feel safe. However, home injuries are a
leading source of accidental death for children. Fortunately, home
injuries are largely avoidable through education and prevention. Parents
can take proactive steps to childproof the home and keep their children
safe by teaching them a few practical rules.
SEE THESE IMPORTANT CAUTION FOR KIDS:
Never Leave children Alone near Water
Splashing
around in the water at bath time or playtime is great fun for children,
yet water presents many possible hazards. Drowning can occur in less
than an inch of water, making bathtubs, sinks, pools, and even pails a
source of great danger. Never leave a child unattended near water, even
for just a few seconds. If the phone or doorbell rings while your baby
or young child is in the bathtub, pick him up, wrap him in a towel, and take him with you. Do not leave him alone: It takes only a few seconds for drowning to occur.
Scalding burns from hot water are also
A
potential concern. To be safe, lower your hot water heater settings to
120 degrees F (49 degrees C) to avoid scalding by water that comes out
of the bathtub or sink faucets. Test bath water temperature with your
hand or elbow to make sure it is at a comfortable temperature before
lowering your child into the tub.
Secure Windows, Block stairways, and Lock doors
Accidental
falls are one of the most common types of injuries to children. The
severity of the injury often depends on the distance of the fall, so be
aware of the dangers of heights. Never let your baby or toddler sit on a
bed or counter unattended. Keep stairs and hallways clear and free of
clutter that could cause a child to trip and take a tumble, and install
safety gates to block a toddler’s access to a staircase. Discourage play
near windows and patio doors, which could lead to a fall through glass.
And don’t store or display anything near a window a child could climb.
Keep young children from wandering out the front door by keeping it
locked. It’s a smart habit.
Keep small items and Food out of reach
Many
injuries occur when children are unable to breathe because food or
other objects block their internal airways and cause choking. Most
choking injuries occur with food items, so cut your child’s meals and
snacks into bite-sized pieces. Children are at risk from choking on
small candies, nuts, hotdogs, grapes, carrots, and popcorn, so keep
these foods out of their reach.
Make
sure small household items are stored away from a child’s reach to
avoid accidental choking. Don’t select toys with many small parts. Look
for labeling on toys with small parts that warn they are not safe for
children under 3 years old.
Cover Electrical Outlets, and Protect Children from Electrical Wires
Electrical
shock can cause death and injuries. Proper grounding, electrical safety
devices and avoiding hazardous situations can help prevent electrical
shock in children. Childproof your home from electric shock with these
safety tips:
• Cover unused electrical sockets with plastic covers.
• Keep young children away from electrical appliances.
• Teach kids to respect electricity as early as possible.
• Do not use a hair dryer or radio near water.
Keep Cleaning Materials and Other Chemicals Away From Children
From
detergent to deodorant, many household products are potentially
poisonous to kids if swallowed. To childproof your house, think from a
child’s perspective, even getting down on your hands and knees to see
things from your child’s point of view. Store all medicines in a locked cabinet, away from a child’s reach. Even cabinets that are up high need a lock, because curious kids might climb up to see what’s inside.
If
an accident occurs despite all of your precautions, contact a doctor
immediately to guide you to the most appropriate first aid and the next
step for treatment.
Assemble a first aid kit with emergency instructions, keep important numbers near your phone, and, as soon as your child is old enough to know her own name and address, teach him or her to dial a number to call for help in case of an emergency, ANY NUMBER!
Stay safe!
#activated
1 comment:
Thanks for the tips
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