5 Tips To Keep Your Children Safe

1.Never leave your child alone near water.
Splashing around in the water at bath time or playtime is great fun for children, yet water presents many possible hazards. Drowning can occur in less than an 2.5cm of water, making bathtubs, sinks, pools and even buckets a source of danger.

• Never leave a child unattended near water, even for just a few seconds. If the phone or doorbell rings while your baby or young child is in the bathtub, pick him up, wrap him in a towel and take him with you.
• Do not leave him alone: It takes only a few seconds for drowning to occur. If you leave your baby with a caregiver, make sure he or she knows your safety rules.
• Backyard pools, Jacuzzis, or small koi or fishponds, can become dangerous in an instant. Make sure you have a fence around the pool or pond to keep young children from venturing where they shouldn't, and consider an alarm system on doors leading out to the pool area.
• Jacuzi’s should be covered when they are not in use. Splash pools should always be emptied when playtime is over

2.Keep Cleaning Materials and Other Chemicals Away from Children
From detergent to deodorant, many household products are potentially poisonous to kids if swallowed. To childproof your house, think from a child's perspective, even getting down on your hands and knees to see things from your child's point of view.

• Be sure to install cabinet guards on any cabinet where cleaners, chemicals or garden fertilizers are stored. Keep these products in their original container; do not store them in a container where they might be mistaken for food.
• If there are certain rooms that aren't childproofed or contain many potential hazards, such as a workshop or a hobby room, keep the door closed and install a doorknob cover or childproof lock.
• Store all medicines in a locked cabinet, away from a child's reach. Even cabinets that are up high need a lock, because curious kids might climb up to see what's inside.

3.Any Firearms Should Be Unloaded and Locked Away
If you have a firearm, and if you choose to have one, it's your responsibility to know how to use it safely. Make sure it is not stored loaded with ammunition and lock it away in a safe place that is not accessible by children. Gun safes, locked cabinets and other options are available for secure storage.
Talking with children about the dangers of guns is extremely important, especially if your child comes into contact with a gun in someone else's home.

4.Cover Electrical Outlets and Protect Children from Electrical Wires
Electrical shock causes deaths and injuries each year. An electrical shock occurs whenever a child touches an electrically charged object, while touching another surface that can conduct the electricity to the ground. Proper grounding, electrical safety devices and avoiding hazardous situations can help prevent electrical shock in children.
Childproof your home from electric shock with these safety tips:

• Cover unused electrical sockets with plastic covers
• Repair or discard any damaged appliances or electric cords
• Keep young children away from electrical appliances
• Teach kids to respect electricity as early as possible
• Do not use a hair dryer or radio near water

Electricity is also a common cause of household fires. If you notice unusual odors, flickering lights or unusual power surges, have an electrician inspect your house and make sure the wiring system is safe.

5.Secure Windows, Block Stairways and Lock Doors
Accidental falls are one of the most common types of injuries to children, and taking some simple precautions can help avoid a serious problem. The severity of the injury often depends on the distance of the fall, so be aware of the dangers of heights.Never let your child sit on a bed or counter unattended. Keep stairs and hallways clear and free of clutter that could cause a child to trip and take a tumble, and install safety gates to block a toddler's access to a staircase.

• Many injuries to older toddlers and preschool children result from falling out of an unsecured window. To avoid injuries, keep windows locked and screens in place. A young child could squeeze through a window opened as little 12.7 cm.
• Discourage play near windows and patio doors, which could lead to a fall through glass. Keep young children from wandering out the front door by keeping it locked. It's a smart habit.