With the recent happenings in the world and the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Nigerian Government as well as other countries around the globe have closed all schools and strictly advised social distancing. Now the kids are home all day!
How do you ensure their safety at home?
What are the common things that pose a hazard in your home?
Is it even possible to watch their every step?
How do you keep them safe even when you are not looking?
According to the World Health Organization, every day more than 2000 children die from “Unintentional Deaths” globally. As a parent it is your job to protect your child and becoming acquainted with common and hidden hazards in your home can help you take important steps to prevent a tragedy.
Here are 5 most common home hazards and how to take care of them;
1. Trips and fall
Injuries due to falling are one of the most common household hazards in fact statistics show that one of every five falls causes severe injury such as; broken bones or a head injury and falls are the second leading cause of “Unintentional deaths” worldwide (WHO).
Uneven floor surfaces, slippery or wet floors, poor lighting, poor housekeeping, scattered toys, littered cables, etc. all create the potential for falls.
How to minimize risk
- Clean spills immediately and ensure to put a caution sign up when doing so. Keep children away from the area until the floor is no longer wet.
- Ensure hidden corners, walkways/passages, and play areas are well lit.
- Consider buying non-slip footwear to be worn in the home.
- Practice proper sorting and housekeeping. Keep the walkways clear, clean and free of clutter.
- Manage cables and wires properly, ensure it is safely and neatly arranged in a cable trunk.
2. Choke Hazards
Choking is also one of the leading causes of “Unintentional Deaths” in homes, children can often be fascinated with putting objects in their mouth and swallowing them, hence choking is a common hazard. From dinner going the wrong way or a little one accidentally swallowing an object, Choking can be terrifying. Educate yourself about choking hazards and take measures to keep your family safe.
How to Minimize Risk
- Inspect toys regularly for any loose part, rid the floor of all tiny items that can pose a risk.
- Be sure to keep small hard foods such as nuts or candies out of reach of children, for children under the age of four always cut up hard foods that can block the airways as well as soft foods like grapes, hot dogs, apples, etc.
- Encourage kids to sit while eating and chew thoroughly.
- Encourage kids not to put crayons, pencils or erasers in their mouths when drawing or coloring.
- Monitor playtime.
3. Poisoning
Several household items present a poisoning hazard, including cleaning supplies, bleach, medicine, etc.
How to minimize risk
- Keep all medication out of reach of children and teens.
- Keep all makeup, hair products, soaps, and other personal products out of reach of children. Be sure to lock doors and drawers to prevent access to items.
- Make sure all chemicals e.g. Sniper is properly stored and boldly labeled
- Do not keep paint in any other container asides the one it came in so it will not be mistaken for a drink.
4. Drowning
Drowning isn’t only an outdoor risk, young children can drown in very shallow water. So they should be supervised accordingly. Deaths from drowning in the bathtub have increased significantly in the past decade. This includes ornamental garden ponds.
How to minimize risk
- Put away water buckets, keep them empty and away from water sources.
- Never leave young children unattended when taking a bath.
5. Glass Related Injuries
Broken glass can cause serious cuts, so the use of this material around the home in furniture or fittings should be carefully considered especially if you have young kids. Nothing is more important than keeping your family safe. Knowing what to look out for and knowing the preventive measures makes it a little easier to protect your family.
It is better to be safe than full of regret.
#BeHSEWise #SafeSchools
Safe Schools is a special project by Professor Ike, a Health and Safety Practitioner, a school owner, and a passionate trainer. It started off with a vision to provide safety education to children in schools. It rapidly became a household name and the go-to and leading provider of school safety services in Nigeria and other cities/countries. They help school heads, administrators and owners create safe and healthy learning and work environment.
You can visit their website at – https://safeschoolsintl.com/ for more information.
Email them at – hello@safeschoolsintl.com
OR Call on – +234-803-8833-654
