It's easy to feel assured that we're already safe once we're locked in inside our homes. But several safety hazards are still found within the confines of our abode, and your young kids are the most at risk.
Apart from considering buying lands for sale in and around Donnybrook Road or other safe neighborhoods to build your home in, you must ensure that the interior of your property is completely safe. Minor accidents may not be 100% avoidable, but the likelihood of them occurring can be significantly reduced. In addition, you should secure all your locks so that no intruder will be successful.
Consider the following home safety tips to protect your whole family.
Eliminating Fall Hazards
Falls are the most common reason for hospital visits in people of all ages. Stairs, bathrooms, and your home's entire flooring itself pose a fall hazard to your whole family, most especially your toddler.
To protect your young kid from falling down the stairs, install safety guards across its top and bottom entryways. If you have a balcony, install safety guards by its doorway, too. It would also be safer for your toddlers if all your windows are locked. Keep the openings out of their reach or barricade them with window guards.
Make sure your stairway's lighting is adequate so that no one ever misses a step and falls. Ensure that the steps and handrails are in excellent condition. In the bathroom, place rubber mats near the toilet, sink, and shower to prevent slipping.
Investing in sensor lightning can also strengthen your kid's safety, especially when they use the bathroom at night and are unable to reach the light switch.
Eliminating Risks of Kitchen and Bathroom Injuries
Burns and scalds are common kitchen injuries. To protect your toddler, be sure to supervise them when they roam around the kitchen while the stove or oven is in use. Better yet, make your kitchen inaccessible to them.
When bathing your toddler, keep the temperature no more than 50ºC. And while they're using the bathroom, keep away any poisonous substances, like cleaning agents, bath products, and the like. When unsupervised, children may try to put these toxic substances into their mouths. Store your insecticides and other non-food toxic items where your kids can't find them.
Preventing House Fires
Make sure your children won't ever touch lighters, matches, and other flammable objects. Install smoke alarms and detectors in all areas of your home and test them periodically. Keep watch of your electronics and appliances, especially those that heat up with use. Only allow licensed electricians to touch your wiring, especially when repairs are needed. Have an escape plan prepared in case a fire ravages your home.
Eliminating Asphyxiation and Drowning Hazards
Toddlers can swallow their tiny toys and other objects, so keep a close watch on them while they play. Meanwhile, cords, ties, and clothing may also suffocate a child when accidentally wrapped around their necks, so keep those items out of their reach.
If you have a bathtub, swimming pool, or pond, never let your child use them alone. Don't even try to leave them for a moment while they're submerged in it. Avoid placing buckets of water near them and always keep your toilets' lids closed.
Preventing Injuries From Sharp Objects
Kitchen cutlery and all other sharp objects must be stored safely and away from a child's reach. Glass surfaces should have shatter-resistant films to minimise impact and injuries in case of collision, but it would be much safer to put stickers on them to prevent this accident.
Rakes, saws, and lawnmowers should also be hidden from your kids. When you're using these tools, don't allow your child to get close.
You can't always keep an eye out for your family, so make your home a real safe haven. Be extra vigilant when you have young kids, and of course, keep these tips in mind.
