Is your home child-safe?

PARENTS worry endlessly about how to protect their children from abduction and violence but, generally overlook one of the biggest threats to their child’s safety – their own home.

Children between the ages of one and four are more likely to fall victim to fires, burns, drowning, choking, poisoning or falls than by a stranger’s violence.

If home safety measures seem overwhelming, take a closer look at what needs to be done before your baby arrives, crawls or starts toddling and climbing.

Ask yourself what looks tempting, what is in my reach and where can I go, and you will figure out which cupboards, drawers and other spaces pose a danger to your child.

As your child starts walking and climbing, you’ll have to re-evaluate your home to determine what else could pose a danger to them.

Kitchen

• Install safety locks on all your cabinets and doors to keep children away from household items.
• Never leave any hot pots or pans unattended on the stove.
• Put latches on oven, microwave and refrigerator doors and install covers on all stove dials so your child can’t turn on the burners.
• Put a lid on your dustbin.
• If you have a dishwasher or washing machine, make sure it remains closed at all times.

Bathroom

• Keep the toilet lid down. Install a toilet lock to prevent your baby from lifting the lid.
• Put razors, scissors, nail clippers, tweezers and other sharp objects in a locked cabinet or high up in a linen closet.
• Unplug all electrical appliances (hair dryer, curling iron etc.) and store them away in a high draw or cupboard.
• Store all medications and vitamins out of reach of children.
• Place a non-slip mat inside and outside the bath and shower.
• Never leave your child in a bath or shower unattended.

 Around the house

• Cover all sharp furniture edges with padding or foam.
• Cover all plugs with safety covers.
• Hide electrical cords behind furniture or use cord-hiding devices.
• Use doorstops and door holders to stop them from slamming into your child.
• Cut looped window blinds to prevent your child from becoming entangled.
• If you have a fireplace, install a grill and never leave a child unattended.
• Keep electronic equipment like decoders, DVD players and stereos out of reach or locked up.
• Secure furniture that can topple over.

Garden

• Cover all pools with the correct covers at all times.
• Store and lock away all tools.
• Ensure that your child does not gain access to any fertilizers or pesticides.
• Maintain play equipment. Ensure they do not show signs of wear or rust. Make sure safety netting isn’t frayed or torn, bolts and screws are tightly fastened and hooks are closed.
• Ensure you do not have any toxic plants in your house or garden.