Around 45 percent of accidental child deaths occur around the home, reports the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. That's why it is so imperative that you take the time to talk about home safety precautions with your children. Although your home is a place of peace and comfort for you, it can also be a hotbed of accidents waiting to happen; from burns to water injuries to electrocution, by offering preemptive instruction, you can help your children be prepared for any accident that may happen within your home.
Step 1
Create a list of emergency phone numbers that your child can read easily. Even if he cannot read, a picture or symbol next to the number can help him identify the difference between law enforcement, medical help, the fire department and even poison control. Talk to your child about those phone numbers, when to use them and how to properly dial the phone. Keep the list near the phone where it can be easily located in case of emergency.
Step 2
Take your child on a tour of the house, and identify certain "hot spots" that could pose a problem to her safety. For instance, point out sources of burn hazards in the kitchen, drowning hazards in the bathroom and electrical hazards near outlets. Inventory the medicine cabinet and cleaning cabinet, and talk about the dangers of poisoning, suggests the Home Safety Council. Afterward, place these items in hard-to-reach places.
Step 3
Develop a family fire escape plan, says KidsHealth.org. Together, create a large map of the home, and label all the rooms. Designate at least two escape routes for each room, and then install rope ladders and other safety gear where needed. Post the escape plan in a prominent place, and review it often.
Step 4
Pack a first-aid and a survival kit with the help of your child. As you place each item in the kits, explain what it is and what it is used for. For instance, gauze is used for wounds, and water-purification tablets can make clean water. Demonstrate how to use each item, and then give your child his own first-aid and survival kit to keep in his room for emergencies.
Step 5
Practice your safety protocol at least once per season to keep it fresh in your child's mind, cautions LIFamilies.com. Run a mock fire drill, or pretend that you've hurt yourself and need your child's assistance. Explain carefully that it's just practice to help her remember the correct procedures in the event of a real home safety emergency.
Things You'll Need
- Emergency phone list
- Home evacuation plan
- First-aid kit
- Survival kit
