I have two little mischievous boys. From an early age they could both spot the tiniest bit of debris on a carpet and get it into their mouths as quick as a flash, both are capable of hitting warp speed nine with very little notice and sadly neither of them seems to have any concern for their own safety when busy balancing “like a superhero” or similar. They are young boys though and that is what they do. It is our job as their parents to make our home safer so that they may enjoy the freedom to play and live without the risk of serious injury.
The majority of accidents in the home could be avoided through vigilance; being aware of risks and keeping your eyes open. With more than a third of injuries to children under the age of fourteen occurring in the home, it is wise to back up those “eyes in the back of the head” with some child-proofing and safety precautions, a few of which are listed here.
- Secure dangerous substances
These could be cleaning materials, household items used for maintenance, medications or indeed any number of toxic and potentially dangerous substances. Keep everything out of reach when possible and use cupboard locks and locked boxes in addition to this. - Use smoke detectors
Not only should you have smoke detectors in your home, you should have detectors that are tested regularly and which work. Mains operated detectors with battery back-up are great, but any working smoke detector will give you warning in the event of a fire and buy you precious time to evacuate your family safely. - Have a carbon monoxide detector in place
Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because unlike other gases it is colourless, odourless and tasteless, making detection difficult. Long-term concerns for those who are exposed for any length of time include neurological damage and even death. - Cover your plugs
It takes just seconds for a child to pick something up and shove it into the hole on a wall socket. The potential for injury or worse here is great if steps are not taken to eliminate the threat. Plug covers are widely available online, and are a very effective way to prevent children from accidental electric shocks. - Reduce the risk of trips and falls
Many injuries are caused by trips and falls, and often many of them could be avoided if the environment were better arranged. Clear clutter, secure rugs and runners, install baby gates where appropriate and keep your eyes open for hazards. Protective corners for sharp coffee tables and other pieces of furniture could reduce the damage when trips do occur. - Be wary of water
It takes only a couple of inches of water to drown an infant. Never leave a young one in the bath unattended, be aware of ponds and water features and remember that as fun as water is, it can kill.
These are just a few top tips for safeguarding your children when at home. It only takes a minute for something awful to happen, so regularly have a safety walk-around, checking that everything is in place, that batteries for the smoke alarm don’t need replacing and generally assessing your environment as your children grow (and are able to reach more or climb higher!).
I am freelance writerand blogger writing on behalf of MORE TH>N. These are my own thoughts and do not represent the views of MORE TH>N. Visit their website for more information on home insurance from MORE TH>N.
