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ACCIDENTS  CAN  HAPPEN:

 

According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust, over two million children aged under 14 go to casualty each year after suffering an accidental injury. There are many reasons why children are at risk.

 

• They lack experience and have no conception of risk. For example, they may see water as fun and flames as pretty. 
• Small children are very curious about anything new. This leads them to stick their fingers into holes, put objects in their mouths and explore cupboards. 
• They lack stability and co-ordination. As a result, bumps, falls and tumbles tend to be a regular occurrence. 
• They are unaware of dangers. For example, if they see a toy across the room, they'll head for it, not necessarily seeing the table with hot cups of tea in their path. 

Prevention

 

Accidents are not always random events over which we have no control. In most cases they can be predicted and prevented. Take a tour around your home from your child's level. 

 

The living room:  the fire and fireplace can present a danger to your child, as can' electrical items, such as the television, stereo and sockets. Be aware of sharp edges too, for example on ornaments and on furniture.

 

The kitchen:  be extra careful when your child is around any electrical appliances, such as the cooker, kettle, microwave, freezer, washing machine and drier. Other danger areas are cleaning materials and drawers with sharp utensils.

 

The toilet and bathroom:  potential dangers include bleach, shampoos, razors, hot taps, the medicine cabinet, the radiator and the slippery floor.

 

The bedroom:  potential dangers here include an open window, a plugged-in hairdryer, bedside lamps and toiletries.

 

The garden:  make sure the gate is kept closed. Be aware of the hazards posed by garden chemicals, the lawn-mower and garden tools.

 

Your mobile child

 

Be aware that once your child becomes more mobile, the dangers change. You need to stay one step ahead.

 

Young babies: although they may seem to be most vulnerable in the early months, their limited mobility helps to keep them safe. But don't be complacent, as even very young children surprise their parents by rolling over or grabbing objects. Never leave babies unattended on any raised surface. Always use the harnesses in car seats, high-chairs, prams and buggies.

 

Crawlers: once babies become more mobile, sharp objects on the floor are a problem, as are doors and stairs. Fires and sockets are major dangers and the video may be a source of fascination.

 

Toddlers:  in addition to the hazards already stated, you can now add in the dangers when children pull themselves up on the furniture. Tablecloths are a no-go, as are trailing wires, cords and curtains. Once toddlers can reach higher levels, all ornaments need to move up a level. Watch out for slippery floors, too.

 

Older children: you can explain about dangers to older children and they will understand more, but don't rely on this. A youngster can easily forget all he knows about crossing a road when he's chasing a ball or rushing to the ice-cream van.

 

FIRE HAZARDS

 

House fires are the biggest single cause of accidental death at home. Many could be prevented, or reduced ill severity, by early detection. Make sure you take all the necessary precautions.

 

Fit smoke detectors: install at least one per level in your house. The best places are at the foot of the stairs and outside bedrooms. Check the batteries regularly

 

Fit socket guards: these inexpensive plastic guards fit into unused electrical sockets and prevent children sticking anything into them.

 

Fit a fireguard: this should be fixed to the wall. One with a horizontal guard on top helps to prevent youngsters dropping things too near the fire.

 

Keep matches and lighters out of reach:. Preferably store them high in a cupboard.

 

Take care with candles: they are very appealing to children, so it's probably wise to avoid them altogether or use them only in the evenings after your child is asleep. Make sure candles are extinguished properly before going to bed.

 

Empty ashtrays: if someone is smoking, make sure all ashtrays are kept out of a child's reach and that they are emptied regularly, especially at bedtime

 

Buy a household fire extinguisher: store it out of reach and make sure you know how to use it - reading the instructions in an emergency will waste time.

 

GARDEN SAFETY

 

Backyards and gardens can be a source of potential danger for young children. 

• Every year a small number of children under the age of five drown in garden ponds. 
• In the under fives, drowning is the third largest cause of accidental death in the home. 
• Young children can drown in just 2.5cm (1 in) of water - watch for containers that may have collected rainwater and ensure that paddling pools are emptied at the end of the day. 
• 80 per cent of pond drownings happen in the garden of a friend, relative or neighbor. 
• Check that all garden tools are stored away in a locked shed. 
• Make sure all garden chemicals ­weed killers and slug pellets, for instance - are well out of reach of your child. Never store these substances in old soft-drink bottles or other household containers in case your child mistakes them for the real thing.

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.