According to the Federal Interagency forum on Child and Family Statistics, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 14. In addition, nonfatal injuries are the main causes of child morbidity, disability and reduced quality of life. Follow some simple precautionary steps to help reduce your child's risk of injury during day-to-day activities.
Fire Safety
Involve your child with testing smoke alarms at least once a month. Periodically conduct a mock fire drill with your family. Your child should know the proper escape route from his room and how to open windows if needed. A meeting place should be established a safe distance from the house to ensure accountability of all family members. Re-enforce the "stop, drop and roll" technique and discuss the dangers of smoke inhalation
Falls
Check your home to minimize risks of falls. If your child is not proficient with stairs, make sure a gate is installed correctly. Reduce clutter lying around the floor. Ensure that all cords are tucked away to prevent tripping. Be aware that open windows are dangerous even if screens are in place---according to the University of Virginia Health System, falls from windows tend to be the most severe types of accidents.
Poisonous Substunces
Instruct your child that she should not eat anything other than the food on her plate. Store obvious poison risks--such as household cleaners, automotive fluids and medications---on a high shelf. Provide education on the risks of picking and eating plants and berries of unknown origin. Even some types of wild mushrooms are poisonous. Call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 if you believe your child has ingested a poisonous substance.
Guns
Federal statistics indicate that there is a gun in at least 50 percent of all homes in the United States. Even if you do not own a gun, your child will end up in the home of somebody who does. The most prudent rule is to store guns locked up and unloaded. Teach your child to always treat guns as if they are loaded. If he encounters one, tell him to stop, don't touch, leave it alone and tell an adult.
Water Safety
Young children can drown in as little as 1 to 2 inches of water. Be aware of water hazards around the house such as water in bathtubs, toilets and buckets. Do not leave your child unsupervised in the bathtub. Swimming pools should be enclosed with a locking fence. Do not leave your child unattended in a swimming pool even if she is wearing a life jacket or is in the shallow end of the pool---situations can change quickly.
Internet Guidelines
Take precautions to keep your child safe on the Internet. Install parental controls to limit access to inappropriate material. Keep the computer in a community room in the house to better monitor content. Advise your child to never share personal information such as name, address or picture. Tell him not to chat with strangers online. Make sure your child knows not to arrange a meeting with strangers he has met online.
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