Young kids spend most of their time at home, and this is the place having the highest risk of being injured. Protecting kids is the responsibility of parents and caregivers. They need to familiarize themselves with safety risks in and around their homes. Once the risks are known, steps to plan for safety can be taken. Children are curious and fast learners, and before you know it, your child will be jumping, running, and exploring tools. They do not understand the dangers.

The High-risk Zones

Most untoward incidents occur where there is-

  • Water: in the bathroom, tubs, toilets, kitchen
  • Heat or flame: in the kitchen (induction plate, oven, hot food), ironing table, prayer room, and water heaters
  • Toxic substances: under the kitchen sink, in the medicine cabinet or storage places, in the garage or garden shed
  • Possibility of a fall: on stairs, slippery floors, from high windows or from imbalanced furniture

Safety Tips

  • Keep the following out of the reach of children to maintain a safe home environment-
    • Coin lithium batteries or any devices that contain them
    • choking hazards
    • toxic substances
    • hot and sharp items
    • glass items like crockery, flower vases, decorative items
    • burning oil lamps
    • Small toys pieces, coins
  • Never leave young kids unattended in a bath
  • Keep all products in their original containers or labelled appropriately
  • Provide age-appropriate play equipment, like balls and plastic bats
  • Suffocation is a leading cause of unintentional death among children younger than 4. Have safe sleeping environments. Be careful with stuffed toys and blankets.

Be Prepared

Suggestions to prevent injury or death-

  • Watch kids at all times
  • Learn first-aid, including CPR and the age-appropriate Heimlich manoeuvre
  • Keep important and emergency phone numbers in an easy-to-find location. These should include contact numbers of doctors and caregivers, local police and fire agencies, neighbours and relatives