Keep children safe this school holiday
Handy tips to assure your child's safety during the school holiday.
With the school holidays approaching, ADT Security is advising parents to be extra cautious about the safety of their children and to be aware of the risks around the home.
“Parents need to remain vigilant and remember that a house can be a dangerous place for children if safety and security measures are overlooked,” says ADT Security’s Clive Humphrey.
“While some parents get to spend time at home during the school holidays, many will be at work. This may mean children are left at home alone, or with grandparents or babysitters. To help prevent injuries, parents must assess their homes for safety and security risks and create a safe environment for their children,” he says.
ADT Security offers the following tips to those responsible for the care of children during the school holidays:
• Ensure children know who is allowed into their home when parents are at work. Where possible, have locked screen doors or an intercom entrance system fitted so children do not feel vulnerable when answering the front door.
• Lock up all matches and lighters and blow out candles whenever leaving the room. Never leave young children unattended near an open flame or braai.
• Ensure that all windows are firmly locked or are fitted with child-proof window guards, and make sure beds and cots and other climbable furniture are positioned away from windows.
• Securely store all medications and household cleaning products in a cabinet preferably up high, out of arm reach, with a childproof lock to help prevent poisoning.
• If children are old enough, make sure they know how to dial 107. Practise an evacuation plan so family members know how to get out of the house in the event of a fire or incident. Basic first-aid skills are valuable.
• Make time to discuss safe online and social media behaviour with your children. Talk to them about the dangers of revealing holiday plans on facebook, twitter or to strangers online. Savvy thieves can gain access to up-to-the-minute details through status updates and posts, allowing them to learn when the home is likely to be vacant.
