Kids lack the life experience and common sense to avoid many accidents at home that adults are able to escape. Such problems as blisters, scratches and cuts are easily patched, but greater dangers, such as accidental poisonings, dog bites and falls from bikes, may be fatal. Children must be instructed in basic safety elements, and instruction should be reviewed at least once a year, especially for preschool-age children.
Poison
More than 1.2 million children under age 5 were accidentally poisoned during 2002, according to Safe Kids USA. The most common cause is household cleaners, even those with "childproof" packaging. Purchase dangerous products, such as cleaning agents, in childproof containers, and lock poisons in kid-proof locations. Never transfer poisons into new or unmarked containers, and place the universal poison symbol (skull and cross bones) on packages. Post the Poison Help Hotline number--(800) 222-1222--on telephones and on the refrigerator for easy access in case of an emergency.
Bicycles
Bicycle riding offers a healthy outdoor activity, but care must be taken to train kids in bike safety. The Nemours KidsHealth website states that approximately 300,000 children are seriously injured each year, requiring a trip to the emergency room, due to bicycle accidents. Riding a bike that is an appropriate size for the child lessens the chance for an accident, and wearing an individually sized helmet reduces head injury fatalities. Never buy used helmets or wear a helmet that has been damaged or has been involved in an accident.
Electricity
Electricity is another source of child home injuries. Children should be taught to never touch electric appliances or light switches when their hands are wet or while they are working with water. Outlets should be blocked with child-proof plugs, and they should be examined periodically to ensure the plugs have not been removed. Electric meter, fuse and breaker boxes should be locked, even if the box is located out normal reach of children.
Water
Safe Kids USA states that drowning is still the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children ages 1 to 14. Children can drown in just 1 inch of water. Any water source should be removed or secured before a child enters the area. This includes installing a toilet lock for young kids and babies, locking fence-secured swimming pool areas and removing buckets and containers from a child's reach. Kids bathing in bathtubs or sitting in plastic pools should never be left alone, and water should be drained as soon as the child is removed from the tub or toy pool.
Furnishings
Household furnishings that feature glass tabletops and metal points may suit the decor, but such items are not designed for child safety. Approximately 400,000 children take a trip to the emergency room each year due to head injuries, according to KidsHealth. Some head injuries go unnoticed until the brain swells, creating what KidsHealth terms "long-lasting problems with movement, learning or speaking." Death may result if a concussion is not treated. The easiest way to avoid household injuries of this sort is to remove any furnishings, such as throw rugs, that may trip kids moving quickly through the house. Removable chair or bench cushions are another disaster-in-waiting that may put a child quickly on the floor.
