Having children can be both joyous and very tiring. They seem to get into the stickiest situations especially when they are too quiet. Any situation or place can be a potential danger zone. Here are some tips on keeping them safe.
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Kids and pool safety
Having your own pool can provide many hours of enjoyment for you and your family. Drowning is one of the biggest causes of death in children. Most drowning occurs in their own backyards without the supervision of parents.
Take action:
Never leave your child alone. Don’t be distracted by a ringing doorbell or telephone. If they do ring take your child with you. Secure the area around the pool. Build a fence with one entrance. Make sure that no one can have access to it by climbing over, under or through it. The entrance should be self-lockable. Rescue equipment must always be at hand. Keep a pole, rope or flotation device near the pool. Don’t rely on swimming lessons or flotation devices to protect your children when they are swimming. Attend life saving and CPR classes.
Road safety for kids
We will all do a lot of walking in our lifetime. It is important to teach your child at an early age about the road and road safety.
Take action:
Never let your child walk alone. Hold hands especially when crossing the road, at intersections and driveways. Teach your child the rules of the road and safety tips at an early age - that way it will become a habit. Lead by example. If your child sees you doing it they too will follow. Make sure that you child is always noticeable. Dress them in colours that are visible. Take special care of the shoes your child wears. Make sure they fit properly. Only cross at corners, marked pedestrian crossings or at traffic lights. Walk, don’t run. Always walk on the pavement. Keep them away from the curb and oncoming traffic. If there is no pavement, walk in single file facing oncoming traffic.
Kids and kitchen dangers
The kitchen is one of the best-loved places in any home. It is also a hotspot for accidents waiting to happen.
Take action:
Never leave your child alone in the kitchen. Most accidents occurr when children have no supervision. Lock all cupboards and draweers where kitchen utensils are kept. Never leave food unattended while it is cooking. This can be very dangerous as this can cause spills and fires. Turn pot handles inwards. Children can easily reach out and grab them or bump into them. Turn off the stove and all appliances used when done. Unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use.
Safe storage of medication
No matter how well you try to hide things, children always manage to get their hands on them. They will eat and drink anything that looks remotely edible.
Take action:
Keep medicine out of reach. Don’t leave these containers standing on your bedside table, in the bathroom or in your bag where children can easily find them. Keep medicine cabinets locked at all times. Only use original containers. Most containers come with a childproof cap. Don’t put medicine into containers that could be mistaken for something else. Throw away old, expired medication as this is dangerous and can cause harm. Don’t store medication with food household products.
Safety in cars
Road accidents cause many deaths each year. Children are most at risk and are often the most seriously injured passengers.
Take action:
Never leave your child alone in the car. Always restrain your child. Invest in a car seat. This could save you child’s life. Don’t let your child stand on the dashboard. The child could be propelled against the dashboard or through the windscreen. Never let your child sit on your lap. You will not be able to hold onto the child in the event of a collision. The child could be thrown through the windscreen or crushed between the dashboard and weight of the your body. Don’t let your child lean out the open window of a car. The child could fall out of or be injured by passing traffic.
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