Safety At Home
Children should be safe at home. Research from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than twelve thousand children 19 and younger die each year from preventable accidents. Safety at home means keeping homes safer for children of all ages.
Children get hurt more often because they are
smaller and less aware of danger. They are also curious and get hurt in ways
that adults would not. Being aware of the most common causes of child injuries will
help stop accidents and keep your child safer.
One of the most common accidents that hurt
children is falling. Prevent falls by supervising play activity. Do not let
children play on furniture or near open windows. To protect particularly young
children, block stairways with safety gates. Do not use baby walkers near
stairs.
Food Safety
Children of all ages can choke on food. Some foods, such as hot dogs, hard candies and nuts are responsible for approximately 40% of choking deaths. Help prevent choking by monitoring what your child eats. Cut food into smaller bites when possible.
Prevent the most common burn injuries. Cook on back burners of the stove and turn handles backward, so children cannot pull or knock over pots
Basic Tips For A Safer Home
- Keeping walkways and
stairs clear of clutter to help prevent falls; - Teaching children to
put away toys to avoid tripping over them; - Keeping small toys away
from small children to prevent choking; - Storing medicines, cleaners,
and other chemicals up high and out of reach of children. If storing these
items lower, use a child-proof cabinet lock; - Testing home fire
alarms often; and - Practicing an exit plan
with your children in case of fire
Along with the many resources we’re locating throughout November to help protect our children, Merdes Law Office recommends these websites to parents and caregivers keen on keeping children safer at home:
Mom Junction – safety for children from birth through early teens.
Childhood 101 – building a better environment for children 12 and younger.
Safe Kids Worldwide – monthly newsletter delivered to your email.
