Home Safety

Making Your Home Safe For Children



All parents worry about protecting their children from harm. There are some very simple steps that can be taken by parents to keep young children safe in the home.


* Falls are reported to be the most common accidents in the home, so tidy away or remove loose wires and electrical
   leads, secure loose carpets and fit non-slip pads to all rugs.

* Cover all electrical sockets – little fingers love exploring.

* Install safety devices on cupboard doors to stop them opening and fit locks on low level doors.

* Cover sharp edges of tables, especially those at a low level.
   Simple Safety Solutions Tip: Look out for cushion corner guards that easily adhere to sharp corners.
       



* Keep cleaning products and medicines either in a locked cupboard or in a high place, out of reach
   of children.
   Simple Safety Solutions Tip: When buying medicines look for those with child-resistant caps. They give parents more time to get there!

* Fit stair gates to both the top and the bottom of the stairs.

* Keep small objects with parts which might break off away from young children.

* Never leave hot drinks within the reach of children and never hold a child and a hot drink at the same time.

* Fit child-resistant window locks, but make sure you can get out in an emergency. Move all tables and other climbing aids away from the windows so
   children cannot climb up – they see many things as climbing frames!
   Simple Safety Solutions Tip: Never leave babies on a raised surface unattended.                

* Pull cords on curtains and blinds should be kept short and out of reach as they could strangle your child.

* When running baths always run the cold tap first and add hot water until you get to the right temperature. Check the temperature with your elbow.
   Simple Safety Solutions Tip: Turn thermostat down to ensure that hot water is delivered at no more than 46 c or fit a thermostatic mixing valve to the
   taps.

* Ensure sharp objects, such as knives or scissors, are kept out of reach.

* Put lighters and matches out of reach.
        
* In the kitchen keep children away from hot surfaces and use the back burners on the hob when cooking with the pan handles turned towards the rear of
   the cooker.
   Simple Safety Solutions Tip: Wipe up spills as soon as they happen.

* Make sure you have a smoke alarm in the house, ideally on all floors.
   Simple Safety Solutions Tip: Fit smoke alarms with sealed 10-year batteries and test and clean them once a month.

There is no substitute for monitoring and being responsible for your children at all times.

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