Home Safety for Children

When you brought home your new bundle of joy, you probably worked hard to ensure that his surroundings were safe. By the time he was crawling, you may have had cabinet locks, corner pads, and outlet covers conscientiously installed. But, as your child grows, the need for home safety doesn't fade. It's important to teach your child how to use things properly and how to stay safe at home. When thinking about home safety, the first thing that comes to mind is keeping your child from being injured. For that reason, we monitor young children when they're in the bathtub or swimming pool, teach them to stay away from the stove or fireplace, and put sharp objects, chemicals, and drugs high up and out of reach.

Kid Safety Basics at Home

Most kids, regardless of how old they are, can be taught some of the basics of home safety. You can help your child by preparing visuals like pictures and charts that remind them of what's important and how to stay safe. There are many hazards at home that kids should be taught to understand.

Fire Hazards at Home

Even before our kids are old enough to understand language, we start warning them about things that are "hot." Fire, the stove, the fireplace, cigarettes, light bulbs, and more are all hot and should be avoided. What you should also teach your child is what to do in case of a fire. Even small kids are capable of understanding basic safety precautions and what to do if certain situations are encountered. Young children can be taught to run for help. Older children can be taught how to manage a fire extinguisher.

Falling Hazards

You probably know from firsthand experience what it's like to trip over a toy. Your child probably navigates a toy-strewn room far better than most adults. If he falls, he probably thinks nothing of getting up and moving along. It certainly never occurs to him to put the object away. Teach your child to put his toys away and to clean up other messes around the house. It's also important to teach him about how liquids can cause falls. Teach him to wipe up spills and watch out in the bathroom and shower.

Poison Hazards

Kids are naturally curious. You've probably put most sharp and harmful objects and substances up out of reach, but never underestimate the curiosity of a child. Kids will climb to reach something they are interested in. Not only is the climbing itself a hazard, but the object or substance your child encounters can be harmful, even deadly. Teach your child about how chemicals, cleaners, and medications can make him very sick and how to avoid them.

Choking Hazards

By now, your child is probably past the age where most choking accidents happen. But even school age children can do things without thinking that can be harmful. Running with a sucker or gum in his mouth, putting small objects into his mouth, or running and talking while eating might lead to choking. Teach your child about choking and what to do if he or someone he knows begins to choke. Home safety should also include an escape plan and stranger danger basics. Teach your child to never let a stranger into the house. Also, draw up a family emergency escape plan and practice it with your kids.