CHILDPROOFING THE HOME

 

IS YOUR CHILD SAFE IN YOUR HOME?

Few kids will reach adult stage without bruises and bumps. A kid's behavior, wobbled coordination, and non-stop curiosity for the world around them will ensure markets for kiddy designed bandages and create a constant "Remember when..." stories for family reunions. But not all kid's accidents are a laugh-about-it-later variety. some got injuries serious enough to require medical attention. Almost emergencies in the hospitals are accident-related and they occur mostly at home.

Keeping your child from accidents calls for an ounce of prevention, a few pounds of education and pounds of supervision. The parents should know how to make their houses safe and know how to teach kids to be aware of the dangers and to be careful on some things in the house. It takes a cautious parent to make a safe home. Prevention often simply involves careful planning of your living to reduce the risk of accidents.

First and foremost, one must be aware that there are different kinds of hazards at home. From simple bumps and bruises to accidents like fire, electrical, gas, and water related. Make today your starting point to go around the house, check off the things pointed out in this article and do something about them if necessary. That ten minutes or so could be the most profitable you're likely to spend for some time.

Supervision is the key. Almost all accidents happen when the parents or the babysitter are not paying attention to their charges. Almost all types of accidents happen when the eyes are away from the kids. So watch over them properly if you want to avoid mishaps. Although many learned researchers talk about the psycho dynamics of accidents at home, there is little doubt that most accidents are caused through carelessness and thoughtlessness. Below are some important keys to remember in making your house safe from accidents.

KITCHEN

• Have cupboards that can easily be reached without having to stand on chairs or steps but are not low enough for toddlers could reach up.
• Don't force open cans with fingers. Don't let children hold them too.
• Never leave a flex overhanging from an electric kettle.
• Teach children to respect kitchen machinery.
• Use a brush and dustpan to sweep up broken glass or china and not with bear hands.
• Put all sharp objects in drawers and hidden from children.
• Don't overload sockets.
• Never leave fat heating in a pan on the cooker unattended.
• Never put water on a fat fire---put a lid on the pan or cover with a fire blanket.
• Have a first aid kit handy.
• Wipe all spills at once.
• Turn handles of saucepans sideways.
• Have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket handy and learn how to use it.
• Check safety of plugs and wiring on domestic appliances.
• Keep poisons, cleaning fluids and disinfectants high up and preferably locked.
• Don't highly polish floors.

BATHROOM

• Choose non-slip flooring
• The heater should be high up on the wall or ceiling but not over bath.
• Never leave children alone in the bath.
• Flush all old medicines and those without labels down the lavatory.
• Have a non-slip mat in the bath for the young and old.
• Ban portable mains-operated electric appliances from the bathroom.
• Have a proper razor socket only --- no other power outlets. Keep razors well out of children's reach.
• Never block ventilator holes.
• Run cold water before hot when filling bath.
• Ask the Gas Board to service the water heater yearly.
• Place medicine cupboard high on the wall so that children can't reach it.
• Have a pull chord for light switch

SHED/GARAGE/WORKSHOP

• Keep weed killer and other chemicals high up and out of reach.
• Never use domestic containers (e.g. lemonade bottles) for weed killer.
• Use ramps for cars and not piles of bricks.
• Work in a good light, preferably without kids around.
• Never run an engine in a closed garage.

GARDENS

• Keep septic tank well-covered.
• Don't leave garden tools lying around.
• Supervise children all the time on swings.
• Make sure that ladders have a firm footing.
• Never throw inflammable liquids, aerosol cans, old and damaged batteries on to fires and put them out before going to bed.
• Teach kids to recognize poisonous trees and shrubs.
• Never leave mowers unattended when the engine is running or the electric mower is still plugged in and keep flex over your shoulders, out of anybody's way when using a power hedge clipper.
• Keep ponds fenced or covered if you have young children and teach everybody to keep away from the swimming pool if they're alone. Keep it covered if you have young children.

LIVING ROOM

• Don't leave small objects lying around with small children about.
• Keep all plastic bags, pins, needles, and scissors away from kids.
• Keep fires guarded.
• Never leave big windows open without safety catch where young children play.
• Replace flexes immediately if they era at all chafed or worn.
• Unplug appliances when out or when going to bed.
• Never take the back off the TV or obstruct the ventilation slots.
• Put electric flexes where people won't trip over them but not under the carpets.

BEDROOMS/HALL/STAIRS/PASSAGES

• Put safety catches to all windows above ground level.
• Use safety gates on the stairs with very young kids about.
• Good lighting is essential.
• Never leave anything on the stairs, and make sure that the carpet is well placed and has no holes in it.
• Keep a hand free to hold a banister or rail.
• Don't leave sleeping pills by the bed.

Lastly, emergency numbers must be posted near the telephone. And, make sure you learn how to apply basic first aid procedures. Local governments and private sectors usually hold some trainings in your area. Don't forget to register the next time they conduct some trainings, OK? Thinking about safety can't start too young. If you have little kids, you have moral and certain legal responsibilities to protect them from danger. It's never too soon to start planning for safety. Start right now.