Home should be a safe, secure place for adults and children. But it can present some serious dangers for kids of all ages. Simple modifications to your home will increase the safety of your children. Teaching your kids basic safety precautions will also help prevent accidents and injuries. A proactive approach increases everyone's safety.
Fire Escape Plan
A fire escape plan prepares children for a fire. Work with your children to create a fire escape plan for each room. Draw a map of the home with two escape routes for each room. Choose a family meeting spot so everyone knows where to go. A practice run will help your children feel comfortable with the plan. Get the kids to help test the smoke detectors each month for additional fire safety lessons.
Securing Hazards
When used correctly, most household items are relatively safe. But with young children in the picture, many regular household items present a risk of injury and even death. All hazardous items need to be locked up. This includes cleaners and other chemicals that a child could ingest. Sharp kitchen utensils represent another danger. Keep them in a location that a child can't access. Other items to keep away from children include tools, guns, matches, lighters and alcohol.
First Aid Kits
First aid kits provide the basic materials needed in case of injury. Keep first aid kits in different areas of the home, most certainly in the kitchen and bathrooms. To get the kids involved, make up your own first aid kits. Small tool boxes or plastic pencil boxes will work well. Gather bandages, gauze, gloves, instant cold packs, antibiotic ointment, medical tape and tweezers. Let the kids place the items in the containers. Put at least one kit on each floor of the home so you don't have to go far when it is needed.
Internet Safety
The Internet provides a wealth of information but also presents a danger to kids. Take steps to keep your kids safe if they have access to the Internet at home. Placing the computer in a common area helps you keep tabs on what your children are doing online. Parent-control options help you filter out many of the websites you don't want your children to see. At the same time, teach your children about Internet safety. Stress the importance of keeping personal information private. Encourage your children to let you know if they come across any inappropriate material.
9-1-1
Precautions make the home safer for children, but there is still a chance of an accident. Teaching your children about 9-1-1 will help them know what to do in case of an emergency. An old phone that isn't connected makes a good practice tool. Hang a sign near the phone you use with the numbers 9-1-1. Teaching them their address and phone number is another way to prepare them for an emergency.
Member Comments