Is Your Child Safe? Accident Prevention Measures

Did you know that accidents are the leading cause of injury and death to children in the United States? As a  Health & Safety Coordinator for Knowledge Learning Cooperation for several years, I would like to share with you some accident prevention measures that will help insure the safety of children in your home.

Basics
* Learn CPR and first aid for infants and young children
* Keep a first aid kit on hand in case of injuries
* Find out if your home has lead
* Install safety outlet covers
* Never leave children unattended
* Have emergency numbers immediately available
* Do not let people smoke near baby
* Keep children away from windows

Precautions
* Never treat medicine as candy
* Label products and always check labels before giving or taking any medicine
* Destroy discarded medicines
* Keep all poisons in original containers

Common Poisons Ingested
* Asprin and other salicylates
* Contraceptive pills
* Iron pills
* Pesticides
* Disinfectants
* Laxatives
* Furniture Polish

Nursery
* Be certain that cribs are in good working condition and meet national safety requirements
* Always keep sides of cribs up while child is occupying it
* If toys are tied to crib, assure that strings are short and tight so child does not tangle himself
* Be aware of all safety recalls on toys and other baby products
* Be sure matress fits snug into place to prevent suffocation and strangulation
* Remove all toys, pillows and comforters from sleeping area
* Install window guards on windows (unless it is a designated emergency exit)
* Install a smoke detector
* Use flame-resistant pajamas
* Remove all cords and wind-ups on blinds out of children reach
* Be sure that toys are age appropriate for your child
* Never give infants and toddlers toys that have small or removable parts
* Be sure toys do not have any sharp or rough edging


Family Room
* Install and maintain  smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
* Plan and practice a fire escape plan (it is also helpful to post plan)
* Bolt heavy furniture such as the television and book shelves to the wall
* Keep clutter off of stairs and out of hallways
* Keep loose electrical cords out of reach
* Be sure electrical cords are not frayed
* Install edge protectors on edges of furniture
* Store unloaded hand guns and rifles in a securely locked cabinet and use gunlocks, lock boxes, or gun safes
* Install safety gates on both ends of the stairs


Kitchen
* Cook on back burners and turn pot handles towards the stove
* Keep hot meals in the middle of the table and be aware of hot grease splatter while cooking
* Keep appliance cords such as coffee makers out of reach
* Place poisons such as cleaners and pesticides in a locked cabinet or out of reach of children
* Keep a fire estinguisher on hand
* Be sure plants that may be poisoness are out of reach
* Post emergency contacts near phone
* Store knives and other sharp utensils in a drawer with child safety locks
* Keep hot beverages out of reach of children
* Never carry a child and a hot beverage at the same time
* High chairs should have a wide base to prevent tipping, safety straps and tray for baby


Bathroom
* Use slip-resistant strips in the bath tub to prevent slippery falls
* Lock medicines and sharp objects such as razors out of reach
* Supervise children in bathtub at all times
* Place safety locks on toilet lids
* Hot water that reaches 140*F can cause third-degree burns in just 5 seconds
* Set water tempertaure to 120*F or less
* Bath water should not exceed 100*F
* Keep electrical appliances stored away from water in locked cabinet
* Keep all electrical appliances stored away from water in locked cabinet
* When turning on faucet on cold, then hot water
* When turning off faucet turn off hot then cold water
* Do not place children in bathtub while the water is running
* Be cautious of small objects such as peas, buttons, popcorn, beads, nuts within children's reach


Car 
* Be sure your child's car seat is approved by law
* Follow manufacter's instructions for installation or have a certified safety seat tech install the seat for you
* Always place the safety seat in the back row
* Never use a safety seat in a seat that may release an air bag
*The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends booster seats for children until they are at least 8 years of age or 4'9" tall.

References
Riverside Health Inforamtion: Accident Prevention Birth to 12 Months (2010)
Virginia Department of Health Caring for Your Baby: About Newborn and Infant Care (2005)
Prevent Child Abuse: Virginia