Kids are constantly exploring their environment.

“Careful! Don’t touch that stove! Hold my hand! Look our for cars! Knives are sharp! Climb down from there! Careful, careful, careful!” Wow! What a load of care and concern greets a parent each second of every day. Like the proverbial dark forests of childhood fairy tales, danger lurks at every twist and turn and at each new encounter. What follows are common sense reminders about how to recognize and avoid some of the most common hazardous happenings that lie in wait for unsuspecting children. And those unexpected dangers cannot be overemphasized. Accidents are still the leading cause of serious injury and death at all ages of childhood. The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” cannot thus be neglected. Often very simple but intentional efforts that are the ounces of prevention will lead to a lifetime of safety. So, in spite of the dismal dark woods filled with dangers ahead, sixty seconds of thoughtful prevention can bring the bright sunshine of safety to yet another step in the march to growing up.

Home Safety

Keeping them safe and out of harm’s way can be quite a challenge. Young children are smarter than we give them credit for, and just as curious. When it comes to safety around the home, you can't be too careful. From the visible items such as poisons and sharp objects that can be locked up or relocated, to the "unseen" dangers such as dust mites or lead in paint, potential dangers lurk throughout the home. The following is a list of tips for making your home safe for your young child. Following these tips, with a good dose of vigilance and common sense, will go a long way in keeping children safe and happy.

• Check to see if your home’s smoke detectors are working
• Keep all medicines, cleaning products and other poisons locked away
• Look for and cover unprotected electrical outlets
• Check fire extinguishers are in a protected but accessible place  
• Keep knives, scissors, razors and other sharp tools out of reach or locked away
• Knick-knacks can be irresistible to preschoolers. To keep children - as well as your breakables - safe, place them high and be sure there is no furniture set up in such a way that a child can climb to reach an item
• Tie up or cut loose cords that hang from curtains or window blinds 
• Place slip-proof material under area rugs to prevent slipping or falling   
• Soak up spills on floors immediately 
• Dust breeds tiny mites that dwell on carpets and fabric. To keep dust mites away, wash bedclothes often and stuffed animals periodically
• Homes that are more than 15-20 years old may still contain lead-based paint. If you own such a home, find out how you can safely remove the paint, and then re-paint walls with lead-free paint.
• Bath safety - after you fill the bath – run a little cold water through the faucet to cool it off. Have an “adults only” rule for using the faucets. If possible turn the water heater thermostat down to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Always stay near the bath when filling to prevent scalding and drowning. Children should never be left alone in the bathroom for any reason, nor any length of time. Use a non-slip mat in the bath to prevent slipping and falls
• Washing machines and dryers can be tempting for a youngster who may think it a fun to place to hide. Always make sure the doors to each are closed tight and engage the lock if you have one
• Keep utility/garage areas child-safe. An unanchored ladder could very easily fall on a youngster. Paint or varnish are lethal if swallowed. Keep them locked away in high cupboards
• Young children love to watch their parents use power tools. Never leave them plugged in or lying on easy-to-reach surfaces. Store them in a locked drawer or cabinet after use

Remember - accidents are the leading cause of death and injury for young children so remember to be on the look out for dangerous situations. In so doing you will be creating an environment where your children can freely explore and from which they can safely learn. Finally, watch your little ones at all times. There may be things you discover in your home that he or she is particularly attracted to. Be ever watchful, but, at the same time, enjoy your child and watch as he or she delights in new (and safe) discoveries.

Related Tips

• Bath safety and young children
• In the hustle and bustle of every day life it is easy to forget that accidents can happen during bath time. Here are several ways you can make bath time safe for your child.
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• Water safety (age 5)
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• Toy safety - kindergartners
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