November is National Child Safety and Protection Month. Now is an excellent time to review some smart tips to help make sure your home and your vehicles remain safe places for your loved ones.
Keep cleaning materials and medication safely out of range of children:
Poisoning through the accidental ingestion of medicines or chemicals is a common household hazard. Young children often mistake medication for candy and have a hard time resisting spray bottles containing chemicals. Place locks on all storage cabinets containing cleaning materials and other common household maintenance items. Make sure all medication is kept in childproof bottles and stored out of the reach of children.
Secure your bathroom:
With hot water and wet floors, the bathroom can be a dangerous place for young children. Minimize the risk of injury, by turning down the water heater temperature. Secure all razors and other medicine cabinet items and use slip-resistant mats and a toilet seat lock.
Cover electrical outlets:
Children rely on their sense of touch to learn about new things. In the case of electrical outlets or frayed wires, this behavior can lead to life-threatening injuries. Cover all outlets with childproof covers ensuring the cords attached to appliances and other devices are in good condition. Teach your children to avoid touching these items and to never mix electricity with water.
Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional:
Fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, can be prevented by early detection. Without an alarm system, parents may be unaware of fires or carbon monoxide leaks until it’s too late. Install detectors throughout the house and check the batteries regularly to ensure they still work.
Follow the safety rules governing use of car seats:
Car seats have been instrumental in saving the lives of numerous children. Laws vary in different states but most require your child to sit facing the rear in the car seat. Ensure the seat is installed correctly and all belts are in place. Make sure you replace your child’s car seat if you’ve been in a collision, it may have damaged the seat.
Never leave a child in a car:
Even if you’re only getting out momentarily, never leave children inside a warm vehicle. Children can’t maintain their temperature in the same way adults can, making them susceptible to high temperatures. Also important is to check your backseat to ensure your child hasn’t been left behind – busy parents sometimes forget.
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