About 2.5 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child-safety devices on the market today. Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It’s important to follow installation instructions carefully.
In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they re-secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them. You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it would cost to have a professional do it. And safety devices are easy to find. You can buy them at hardware stores, baby equipment shops, supermarkets, drug stores, home and linen stores, and through online and mail-order catalogues.
Here are some child-safety devices that can help prevent many injuries to young children:
-
Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help prevent poisonings and other injuries. Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use but that are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should be locked away out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.
According to Colleen Driscoll, executive director of the International Association for Child Safety (IAFCS), “Installing an ineffective latch on a cabinet is not an answer for helping parents with safety. It is important to understand parental habits and behavior. While a latch that loops around cabinet knob covers is not expensive and easy to install, most parents do not consistently re-latch it.”
- Use safety gates to help prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw into the wall are more secure than “pressure gates.”
- Use door locks to help prevent children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers, including swimming pools. Door knob covers are inexpensive but may not be effective for taller or persistent children.
- Use anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads, and set your water heater temperature to 120° F to help prevent burns.
- Use smoke detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms. Check them monthly and replace batteries yearly unless using 10-year batteries.
- Use window guards and safety netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies, decks, and landings. Ensure they are properly installed and maintained.
- Use corner and edge bumpers to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp furniture edges.
- Use receptacle or outlet covers and plates to help prevent electrical shocks. Ensure they are not easily removable by children.
- Use a carbon monoxide (CO) detector outside bedrooms to help prevent CO poisoning. These are essential for homes with gas or oil heat or attached garages.
- Cut window blind cords to help prevent children from strangling in loops. Opt for cordless blinds whenever possible.
- Use door stops and door holders to help prevent injuries to fingers and hands.
- Use a cell or cordless phone to make it easier to continuously watch young children, especially in potentially dangerous areas like bathtubs or swimming pools.
Conclusion
There are numerous safety devices available to ensure children’s safety in the home. Parents should do their research to find the most effective devices for their needs. During your next home inspection, consider asking a Certified Master Inspector about additional safety measures tailored to your household habits and lifestyle.
Download and read the full CHILD SAFETY PDF here: Safe_Home_Book-child-safety