We all want our homes to be tranquil, secure spots but safety really comes to the fore when you have children. As a parent, there are always hazards to be wary of and dangers lurking. In this guide, we’ll discuss some simple steps you can take to make safety a priority at home.
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Slips, trips and falls
Every parent will go through their fair share of slips, trips and falls. Stumbling is part and parcel of growing up, especially during the early years when kids are still finding their feet and learning to walk, run and jump. Although falls are inevitable in some cases, there are ways to reduce the risk of serious injuries and prevent accidents. One of the simplest and most effective is to use stair gates to ensure that the stairs are out of bounds for toddlers and babies. You can also minimize risks by maintaining your floors and repairing or replacing damaged tiles, floorboards or carpet and by keeping corridors and stairwells free from obstructions. Use tubs, crates, boxes and shelves to store toys, soft toys and clothes and shoes.
Fire safety
Fire safety should be a priority for every homeowner. House fires are usually preventable, and with the right measures in place, you can reduce the risk of serious injuries and extensive damage dramatically. Ensure that you have working smoke detectors on every floor of your house, check the batteries frequently and look into additional safety measures such as gap fillers and small fire extinguishers and fire blankets. Replace old appliances with modern versions that have safety features and never leave pots and pans unattended when you are cooking. Switch appliances, such as hair straighteners, off at the socket when you have finished using them and blow candles out if you’re leaving the room. If you smoke, try to avoid smoking indoors and make sure you put your cigarette out in an ashtray.
Household chemicals and medication
Most parents will know all too well that children are inquisitive and their little fingers get everywhere. One important step to take when you have young kids at home is to ensure you keep household cleaning products, chemicals and medication out of the reach of children. Use lockable cupboards to prevent children from being able to open bottles or access pills. This is also good advice for pet owners.
Sockets and power points
Electrical injuries can be severe and even life-threatening. If you have children at home, it’s crucial to protect them by using socket guards and encouraging them to steer clear of power points and electrical appliances. If you are renovating, or you are having extra sockets put into a new home, it can be helpful to fit the power points higher on the wall to prevent children from trying to touch them and put their fingers in the sockets.
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As a parent, there’s nothing more terrifying than the prospect of accidents at home. If you have young kids, make sure safety is a priority. Use child gates and keep stairways and corridors clear of obstructions to reduce the risk of falls, make sure you have working smoke detectors and take steps to lower the risk of fires. Keep household chemicals and medication out of your child’s reach and invest in socket guards to prevent electrical injuries.
