Safe Homes for Children
Keeping your home safe is a way to help shield children from injury and harm. Falls, choking, poison and fire hazards exist throughout the house. Some general risks may always exist, no matter the age of the child. However, take extra care in safe guarding your home for younger children who may not realize the potential dangers in the home.
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Poisons
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Ninety percent of calls to poison control centers in 2008 were because of incidents that happened right in the home, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Of those calls, 51 percent were children under five years old. To keep your home safe for children, make sure medicines and household cleaning products are locked away in an out-of-the-reach location. Be aware other items around the house that could be poisonous and should be stored away from children such as mouthwash, vitamins, plants and tobacco products.
Choking
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Children often find interest in putting things in their mouth that isn't food. Each year about 2,096 children ages 14 and under die as a result of a home injury from choking, according to Safe Kids USA. Small items, such as small coins and balls, as well as hanging cords should be eliminated or put away to create a safe home for children. For safety in the kitchen, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says do not give young children hard and round food since it could potentially get stuck in the child's throat.
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Falls
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Creating a safe home for children includes generating an environment aimed at preventing injuries, such as falls. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says well-lit hallways and stairways and area rugs with non-stick backing help stop falls. Make sure children put away toys and other play objects to avoid tripping and falling. In the bathroom, place a non-slip surface in the bathtub and shower and don't leave young children unattended.
Alarms and Detectors
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One of the basic components in keeping a home safe for children is to install smoke alarms on every level of the home. For additional safety, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suggests installing a smoke detector in each bedroom. In certain states, such as Minnesota, single-family homeowners legally responsible to have at least one carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of each bedroom. Make sure to test and change the batteries on the alarms and detectors annually and teach children the escape plan if the alarms sound.
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References
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