Accidents can happen in any room of the house. In fact, household accidents are one of the main reasons children visit emergency rooms. Parental supervision is extremely important, but even that is not enough to prevent some accidents or injuries. Following a few safety tips, along with safety-proofing a home, can keep children safer.
Fire Safety Tips
The U.S. Fire Administration suggests that a child makes sure they never put anything on a lamp---even while playing. This includes clothing or toys. A child should never have access to matches, candles or a lighter. Parents should teach children to notify them immediately if any of these are found. A child should never cook while unattended. In addition, children should never play with electrical sockets or stick things in them. Parents can insert safety plugs into sockets to protect their children.
Poison Prevention
The Home Safety Council encourages parents to lock up poisonous products. If possible, they should be stored in high cupboards that are out of reach of children. Medications should all have childproof caps and be disposed of properly when expired. Drugs should be thrown away, not flushed down the toilet, as medications that enter the water system can cause illness or poisoning. Toxic products like cleansers should be wiped up immediately if spilled.
Water Safety
Children should always be supervised when bathing or near a toilet. The Home Safety Council says that in order to prevent a child from entering a bathroom unsupervised, doors should always be closed with doorknob covers over the knobs. Toilet locks can also be used to keep toilet lids down. To prevent hot water burns, the water heater should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Any pools outside of the house should be fenced in and kept locked. Wading pools can pose as a drowning hazard as well. They should be drained of water after each use.
Falling
The Home Safety Council explains that gates should be set up at the bottom of staircases to prevent little children from climbing up them. To protect children from falling out of windows, window guards should be installed. Furniture should not be placed close to windows because children can climb on it for easy window access. Toys and other objects should be put away after play to prevent tripping.
