Ensuring that the house is safe for the family particularly when children are part of the family is one of the most important things that families can do. As much as it is customary to childproof, there are many other home safety factors that parents should look at. The aim of this article is to give guidelines on how to make your house as secure as possible starting from simple steps of baby proofing and going up to more complex steps.
Understanding the Importance of Home Safety
Most of the time children spend at home, and often, we do not notice possible dangers when we are in familiar environment. But often as is the case with other car owners, accidents occur at the most unexpected time. As stated by the WHO, accidents are ranked among the main incidents of injury and fatality in children all over the world. These effects can thus be managed through basic practices that would minimize these risks.
Childproofing Essentials
Securing Furniture and Appliances
A bookshelf, dresser, TVs, and any large furniture that can fall on a kid should be secured to the wall. This is due to a risk of flipping over when a child tries to climb them or try and jump off. Make sure such appliances as stove are properly installed and fixed in place. Despite of this, for extra protection, consider using anti-tip brackets.
Locking Up Dangerous Items
Locks should be placed on cleaning supplies and medications and on sharp edges and objects. If you want extra security, you can apparently attach child-restraint locks on the doors. Children should not have access to small objects like batteries and coins to prevent swallowing them. Some of these are hazardous kinds that could easily end up at the back of a child’s throat.
Providing and installing gate and guard.
Usage of gated barriers should be put at the top and the bottom of the stairs in order to avoid accidents. Window guards should be fitted to windows to avoid children from falling out accidentally. Make sure that none of the window blinds have cords as they pose severe strangulation hazards.
Covering Electrical Outlets
Plug receptacles with outlet covers so that children cannot stick anything into the outlet. Additional information that can be suggested is the usage of the so-called tamper-resistant outlets.
Babyproofing Corners and Edges
Use corner guards on pieces of furniture with sharp edges for example on coffee tables and counters. Add padding on fireplace hearths and any other area in the house, which could lead to children’s head impacts.
Beyond Childproofing: Advanced Home Safety Tips
1. Fire Safety Measures
- Place smoke detectors in every bedroom, all second-story areas and in each floor of the house. Try them at least once per month and replace batteries, if used, at least once per year.
- Maintain a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and other places that are at high risk of catching fire, for instance, the garage. Educate the elder kids the way it can be used when there is an emergency.
- Ensure that the family has a fire escape plan and rehearse the same. Make sure every individual understands at least two escape routes of any room in the building and the assembly point.
2. Water Safety
- Ensure that a child is never left alone in a bath tub or close to any source of water, be it swimming pools ,buckets etc.
- Fix locks to ‘jali’ to prohibit the young toddlers from reaching the water in the toilet. If you have installed several doors to your home, it is prudent to install door alarms or if have an outdoor pool, it is advised that you cover it.
3. Preventing Poisoning
- It is recommended that one fits carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and ensure they are tested at least annually.
- Keep detergents and pesticides for example stored in their original containers with clear labeling. Store them when they are not in use and keep them away from the reach of such children.
- Make sure all medicines including vitamins and other supplements are kept at a place and height that the children cannot access or see.
4. Stranger Danger and Home Security
- Teach children lessons regarding don’t open the door for strangers. Open all windows and doors from the outside and, if possible, install a peephole at their height where they will be able to see who is outside.
- Probably install the Home Security Systems with Cameras and Alarms before purchasing a house.
5. Emergency Preparedness
- Have a first aid box with all types of medicines and dressings kept somewhere that can quickly be reached. Make sure every member of the family has an idea of where it is and what it is intended for.
- Ensure that there are emergency numbers place near each phone, and ensure the children learn to dial in emergency. Exercise with your children the use of the emergency number 911 so that they understand what to do when one is called.
Creating a Safety-First Mindset
Although it is important to make homes childproof and to install these other higher-level precautions, the building of this safety orientation is also significant. Make sure your children learn about their environment and explain to them all the dangers in a manner that they are able to understand. It pays to do a check and replace your home safety mechanism as your children age and develop in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
Home safety is not a one-time thing and is more than childproofing the house. Thus, following the above-discussed tips, it will be possible to create a safer environment for your whole family. As they say, the best defense is a good offense so again, it is always best to be prepared and armed with the right information when it comes to safety at home. It is therefore possible for you to shield your family and get the comfort and security you desire at home if you make a slight effort.
