Children are curious and expect their caregivers to keep them from harm.
Factors such as stress, death in the family, chronic illness, or moving into a new home increase the likelihood of a child having an accident. Some accidents happen when the usual routine is changed or when people are in a hurry. Distractions and inadequate supervision are often the cause of accidents. Some accidents are caused by lack of familiarity with surroundings for example when visiting friends or relatives, or in holiday accommodation. Below are a few examples of some questions to ask yourself.
- Are knives, forks, scissors, and other sharp tools in a drawer with a childproof latch?
- Have you installed a dishwasher lock so kids can't reach breakable dishes, knives, and other dangerous objects?
- Have you installed a stove lock and have knob protectors been placed on the stove knobs?
- Are chairs and stepstools positioned away from the stove?
- When cooking are all pot handles on the stove turned inward or placed on back burners where your child can't reach them?
- Are glass objects and appliances with sharp blades stored out of reach?
- Is the garbage behind a cabinet door have a childproof latch?
- Are all appliances unplugged when not in use, with cords out of reach?
- Are all vitamin or medicine bottles stored in a high cabinet far from reach?
- Are matches and lighters stored in a locked cabinet?
- Is the cabinet under the sink free of cleaning supplies, bug sprays, dishwasher detergent, and dishwashing liquids?
- Are any bottles containing alcohol stored out of reach?
- Are all plastic garbage bags and sandwich bags out of reach?
- Are any cords or wires from wall telephones out of reach?
- Are refrigerator magnets and other small objects out of reach?
- Are childproof latches installed on all cabinet doors?
- Do you have a working fire extinguisher?
- Does the child's highchair have a safety belt with a strap between the legs?
Following a few basic safety tips can help to keep our children safe.
Comments (0)