Replace older safety gates that have “V” shapes that are large enough to entrap a child’s head and neck. Pet gates should never be used as a child safety gate. Use safety gates that meet current child safety standards. Use Safety Gates (8) to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers. After each pool use, reestablish the barrier to ensure that your child is accessing the pool and spa only when you are supervising. Other pool barriers include power safety cover, pool alarms, self-closing and self-latching pool gates, isolation and perimeter fences, and pool covers. Doors heading to the pool should have self-closing, self -locking door mechanisms or door alarms. The access from the back of your house may need to serve as a barrier to delay your child’s access to the pool. Always check the pool first if your child goes missing. Most toddler drownings occur in their own backyard pools. Use Layers of Protection with Pools and Spas (7). Anti-Scald Devices (6) for faucets and shower heads can also be used to prevent scalding or burns. To prevent burns, the temperature on your water heater can be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Give constant supervision and stay within reach when your baby is bathing. Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. If you suspect that your child ingested a poisonous substance, contact the poison control hotline (800) 222-1222. Often, this type packaging is not childproof. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away and kept out of reach. Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines, laundry detergent, household cleaners, matches, or cigarette lighters, as well as knives and other sharp objects. Use Safety Latches and Locks (5) for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Free standing ranges and stoves should be installed with anti-tip brackets to prevent scalding and crushing injuries. For added security, anchor these products to the floor, or attach them to a wall. Deaths and injuries occur when children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, chests and ranges. Use Anchors to Avoid Furniture and Appliance Tip-Overs (4) Furniture, TVs and ranges can tip over and crush young children. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Limit window openings to four inches or less, including the space between the window guard bars. Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are secure, properly installed and maintained. Use Window Guards and Safety Netting (3) to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings, because window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows. Eliminate any dangling cords by making the pull cords as short as possible. The WCSC’s retrofit kits do not address the dangling pull cord hazard associated with many common window blinds. Use tension devices to anchor the continuous loops and bead chains to the floor or wall. If you are unable to replace corded window coverings with cordless ones, call the Window Covering Safety Council at 80 or visit for a free repair kit. Cordless products, including inexpensive options, are available at most major retailers and online. Children can wrap window covering cords around their neck, or they can pull cords that are not clearly visible, but are accessible, and become entangled in the loops. Use Cordless Window Coverings (2) in homes with young children, to help prevent strangulation. Place your baby inside on the firm flat sleep surface, on their back, and alone with no added items in the sleeping area. These products include bassinets and cradles, baby cribs, play yards, or bedside sleepers. Use Infant Sleep Products that Meet the CPSC Mandatory Standards (1) for your child. The numbers correspond to those in the images. Here are some safety practices, recommended product that meet safety standards, and child safety devices that can help reduce injuries to young children. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof determined toddlers have been known to overcome or disable them. Follow installation instructions carefully. To be effective, they must be properly installed and reengaged after use. Most of the safety devices are easy to find and are relatively inexpensive. The good news is that the risk of injury can be reduced or prevented by using recommended safety practices, by using child products that meet safety standards, and by using child-safety devices. Each year, children are injured by hazards in and around the home.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |