KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE

With Christmas holidays approaching we’ll be spending more time at home than usual. Every year around 100 children die and another 10,000 are hospitalized in New Zealand from unintentional injuries – many happen around the home. Check your home against this list and see how safe it is:

SAFETY CHECKLIST

Put safety plugs in spare power points. Fit smoke alarms in bedrooms and living areas. Put window latches on all windows that children can reach to prevent falls. Turn your hot water down to 55 deg C. Put slam stoppers on door tops. Empty paddling pools and always keep nappy buckets lidded and out of reach. Never leave preschoolers in the bath alone, even for a few seconds.

Lounge

Avoid low level glass or replace with safety glass; use stickers on glass doors at child height. Don’t put furniture in front of windows. Make sure the TV and free-standing furniture is secure. Store matches, lighters, candles, cigarettes out of reach and lock alcohol away. Make sure blind cords aren’t a strangling hazard. Secure a fireguard around heaters and fireplaces. Keep floor spaces clear. Make sure pot plants aren’t poisonous.

Kitchen / Dining

Make the kitchen a ‘no play area’ while you’re cooking. Use table mats not table cloths. Keep hot drinks out of reach and don’t carry anything hot while you’re holding baby. Lock cleaning products, poisons and medicines away and well out of reach. Secure a freestanding stove to the wall. Turn pot handles inwards and use back elements first. Keep electrical appliances and their cords well out of reach and unplug after using. Keep knives and sharp utensils out of reach. Tie plastic bags in a knot and store securely.

Nursery

Use blankets rather than a duvet with babies and don’t let young children use electric blankets. Keep the cot and other nursery furniture away from power points, curtains, blind cords and windows. Keep mobiles over the cot out of reach and don’t put large toys in the cot. Always keep the cot side up. Change your baby on the floor if possible. Check toys regularly for wear and tear, sharp edges or loose parts. Toy boxes should have a lightweight lid that can be opened from the inside and ventilation holes.