Over four million children die each year of home accidents. The most common types of are falling from very high spaces, poisoning, fires, suffocation, choking, drowning, accidental firearms going off, deadly cuts, electrocution, inhalation of vapors from gas leaks, and being struck by blunt objects. All these accidents can be avoided by creating a child-proof and accident-free home.
When child-proofing the home, parents should not only be concerned about buying expensive preventive measure devices. They should also be trained on the appropriate way of installing these devices at home. But keep in mind that locks and security devices are not enough to keep your children safe. Parents’ heedlessness is one significant contributor of home accidents and should therefore be very careful in making sure that their children are out of harm’s way all the time.
To prevent accidents at home, following are four important factors that you should bear in mind especially when child proofing your home area. These things could certainly help you in making your children safe at home. Making your home safe and accident-free are definitely the leading priorities of parents.
Child-proofing your stairs
One of the most accident-prone areas at home is the stairs. There are a lot of ways to put safety measures on the stairs. One can choose to mount the child gates and handrails which will prevent children from going up and down. Clear the stairs from all clutters especially toys, debris and anything that could get in the way of your children. Also make use of rough stair-flooring. If you have already constructed the stairs with smooth surface, there are materials that you can buy that will increase friction. Yes, security gates are reliable. However, do not rely purely on these security gates. Parents should constantly escort their children when going up and down the stairs.
Child-proofing your kitchen
Accidents and injuries in kitchens are rather high not only for children but for adults as well. {To prevent this from happening, put child locks on showcase doors and drawers|To prevent injuries, it is imperative to put locks on showcase doors and drawers. Toddlers tend to takeout the entire drawers out of curiosity and open cabinets as well. Put away knives and other sharp objects and ensure that your child will not be able to reach on these sharp items. Moreover, always keep the floorboards free from grease to prevent accidental slips especially when your child is active and is running around the house all the time. Use proper housekeeping solutions and clean the kitchen floor thoroughly whenever you use the kitchen.
In addition, remove all toxic housekeeping agents away from your kid’s reach to prevent poison related accident. Kids are always curious and they tend to play with such objects.
When it comes with electric outlets, cover them with childproofing devices to prevent cases of electric shock. Kids are interrogative by nature. So it is essential that you do something to protect your children from the imaginable negative results of their nosiness. Refrigerators are important to childproof as children can lock themselves in when playing hide and seek or when seeking something to eat.
Fire Proofing your home
Examine your residence for things that can contribute to fire development. Don’t think twice. Contract a professional if you feel the need to. Check the roof, surroundings (particularly if your house is situated in an area with lots of greenery), and indoor appliances. Do not keep inflammable things near flames and do not leave lit candles unattended. Fire alarms are very useful. Mount them properly and test them regularly. Keep a fire escape ladder on the upper level of the house.
Mount smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each level of the house particularly near bedrooms. Also keep disaster preparedness kits at home. Always check that all fire safety devices are working by checking them regularly.
Shock Proofing your house
Delinquency and poor maintenance of electrical sources at home can cause accidents too. Check all electric wires regularly and conceal all electrical outlets to prevent electric shocks.
Despite the fact that there are many safety devices found in home depot or hardware, paying extra for expert childproof installers is recommended. Children are characteristically inquisitive at their age, proper training and discipline on safety measures can exceedingly help.