Keeping your Children Safe at Home

The home is where children learn and grow, find love, comfort and care and get to see, touch, feel and experience the big world around them. It is therefore of utmot importance that we keep this a wonderful place where children can feel safe.

Here are "10 Tips to keep your Child Safe at Home"

10. Never leave children unattended near water, even if it's "just for a few seconds". It only takes a few seconds for drowning to occur.

9. Keep all cleaning materials and other chemicals away from children. Make sure to install cabinet guards where ever may be necessary.

8. All firearms should be unloaded and locked away in a safe. Talking with children about the dangers of guns is highly important.

7. Keep sleeping areas as clear as possible. An infants nose and mouth can be blocked by fluffy pillows and stuffed animals, restricting their breathing.

6. Cover all electrical outlets & protect children from electrical wires. Cover unused electrical points with plastic covers and repair any damaged wires/appliances.

5. Keep small items and food out of reach. Small items such as grapes, nuts, sweets, coins and jewellery must be stored away from child's reach to prevent accidental choking.

4. Install a smoke detector. If a fire breaks out, families have seconds to escape the smoke, heat and deadly gases.

3. Secure windows, block stairways & lock doors. Accidental falls are on of the most common injuries to young children.

2. Keep children safe around the family pet. Children should be taught to treat the family pet with care. Never leave your child alone with the family pet.

1. Be prepared for an emergency. Know all your local emergency response telephone numbers. Teach them to your children when old enough. Attend a first aid course to learn procedures such as CPR, Heimlich manouver, bandaging etc.

Home inujuries are largely avoidable through education and prevention. Parents can take proactive steps to childproof the home and to keep their children safe by teaching them a few practical rules in relation to the tips above.