If you could make one place a safe haven for your children, where would it be? For many parents, the answer is their homes. Yet research shows more than 4.5 million children are injured in the home every year.
* Check for fire hazards. Look for frayed electrical wires or flammable materials near heat sources such as space heaters. Never run electrical cords under rugs.
* Make sure you have working smoke alarms. Install carbon monoxide detectors in every sleeping area and check batteries often.
* Use safety gates. Stair falls tend to result in severe injuries. Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to keep infants and toddlers out of harm’s way.
* Cover all unused electrical outlets.
* If firearms are kept in the house, keep them locked, unloaded and stored out of reach. Secure ammunition in a separate, locked location.
* Install window guards on all windows that are not emergency exits. Window guards can be purchased at your local hardware store.
* Young children love to climb on furniture and use drawers and shelves as steps. However, children can sustain crush injuries as furniture can easily tip over on them. Secure bookcases, shelving, and heavy furniture to walls with brackets and anchors. When storing items, put heavier items on bottom shelves and in bottom drawers.
* Large items such as TV’s, microwaves, fish tanks and appliances can topple off stands and fall on children. Use broad-based carts for TV’s and appliances. Secure carts and appliances to walls. Avoid using pedestal tables to hold heavy items.
I think every parent can relate to some stupid accident that has happened in their home. We forget to put something away or we just don’t realize what could be a hazard. I did all the routine safety suggestions when I had my first child. I put locks on all cupboards, I moved cleaners up high, I put covers on the outlets – but that didn’t prevent a mishap from time to time.
My kids have all been climbers – couches, tables, the kitchen bar, etc. I was always pulling them off of things. We had an accident with my youngest one time. It wasn’t even at my house. He was at his friend’s house. They were watching a dinosaur movie and acting like dinosaurs. Their play got a little rough and my son fell backwards and hit his head on the corner of a coffee table. Of course, I was freaked out when his friend’s mom called me. After a trip to the emergency room and some stitches – they were back to being best buds. I guess my point is – do the best you can. Look for obvious dangers in your house and take care of them. Know that you’ll never catch all problems and don’t beat yourself up if an accident does happen. Honestly, it’s part of being a parent. Good luck, and stay safe.
-Jenny