Everywhere we turn in the home there are potential risks of an accident. We have put together some tips on preventing accidents in your home, particularly those involving fire, burns and scalds. These, if looked at as a family will also make your child aware of accidents and dangers inside and outside the home.
Have smoke alarms fitted in your home
In your hallway and upstairs. Don`t fit them near kitchens or bathrooms, because of steam and smoke.
Check your smoke alarm every month to make sure the batteries don`t need changing.
Evacuation Plans
Make sure that if there was a fire you could get out of the house. This may sound over the top but have a monthly fire drill which could just be verbal reminders of where and why. As most fires occur during the night, get all the family to lie in bed. Now pretend there is a fire. You have to get the whole family out the house so try different ways. Your family might think you are nuts but doing this will save life’s.
Heated Appliances
All irons, kettles and electrical appliances that generate heat should always be out of the reach of children. If they have long cords, have the lead length reduced or changed to shorter ones to make it more difficult to be pulled over.
Heating
For all fires, electrical or open, buy a fire guard for your fire. Never leave small children alone in a room where a fire is on.
Kitchen Burn Risks
Use the back hobs when cooking and don`t let pan handles overhang the side of your cooker. You could also invest in a cooker guard.
Don`t leave hot beverages where children can get at them. Never carry a child/baby when you have a hot drink in your hand.
Bath Time Water Temperature
Always run the cold water first when bathing your child. This will stop them burning if they fall or climb into the bath.