Is your home child safe?
Get down on your hands and knees to see what things look like from their level
PARENTS worry endlessly about how to protect their children from abduction and violence, but generally overlook one of the biggest threats to their child’s safety – their own home.
Children between the ages of one and four are more likely to fall victim to fires, burns, drowning, choking, poisoning or falls than by a stranger’s violence.
If home safety measures seem overwhelming, take a closer look at what needs to be done before your baby arrives, crawls or starts climbing.
View your house as they would – the most effective way to ensure your child’s safety is to take the ‘babies-eye view’ of your home.
Get down on your hands and knees to see what things look like from their level.
Ask yourself what looks tempting, what is in reach and where can I go, and you will figure out which cupboards, drawers and other spaces pose a danger to your child.
Kitchen
Install safety locks on all your cabinets and doors to keep children away from household items.
Never leave any hot pots or pans unattended on the stove.
Put latches on the oven, microwave and refrigerator doors and install covers on all stove dials.
Put a lid on your dustbin.
If you have a dishwasher or washing machine, make sure it remains closed at all times.
Bathroom
Keep the toilet lid down and install a toilet lock.
Put razors, scissors and other sharp objects in a locked cabinet or high up in a linen closet.
Unplug all electrical appliances and store them away in a high draw or cupboard.
Store all medications and vitamins out of reach of children.
Never leave your child unattended in a bath or shower.
Around the house
Cover all sharp furniture edges with padding or foam.
Cover all plugs.
Hide electrical cords behind furniture or use cord-hiding devices.
Use doorstops and door holders to stop them from slamming into your child.
Cut looped window blinds to prevent your child from becoming entangled.
If you have a fireplace, install a grill and never leave a child unattended.
Keep electronic equipment like decoders, DVD players and stereos out of reach or locked up.
Secure furniture that can topple over.
Garden
Cover all pools with the correct covers at all times.
Store and lock away all tools.
Ensure that your child does not gain access to any fertilizers or pesticides.
Maintain play equipment. Ensure they do not show signs of wear or rust. Make sure safety netting isn’t frayed or torn, bolts and screws are tightly fastened and hooks are closed.
Ensure you do not have any toxic plants in your house or garden.
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