The Ultimate Child-Safety Checklist for Your Home

January 20, 2017 / Personal Injury

Injuries are the leading cause of death among children. While many of these injuries occur in schools, playgrounds or motor vehicles, they can also happen in our own homes. Parents strive to make their homes as safe as possible for their children, yet not all dangers are as obvious as others.

From burn injuries to accidental poisoning, there are several risks that parents should address on their home’s safety checklist. In case of a burn injury, consulting with an experienced Indianapolis burn injury lawyer is essential. Without further ado, here are a few of the biggest risks that you can address around your house.

Suffocation and Choking Hazards

Choking and suffocation-related injuries are a top cause of injuries among infants.

• Don’t share a bed with your infant.
• Equip your child’s crib with a mattress that is the appropriate size and leaves no space in which a child could be caught. Avoid crib bumpers entirely, if possible.
• Always place an infant on their back when they sleep.
• Don’t let your infant sleep on couches or chairs. Instead, place them in their crib.
• Keep your home free of loose bags, wrappers and packaging.
• Be mindful of toys that have components which could cause choking.

Burn-Related and Scalding Injuries

Every day, more than 300 children age 19 and under are treated for burn-related injuries.

• Regularly check smoke alarms in your home. Install them in every room of your house.
• Conduct fire drills so that you and your children will be prepared in case of an emergency.
• Make sure that water-heater temperatures are set below 120 degrees.
• Check bath water to ensure that temperatures do not exceed 100 degrees.
• Keep children at a safe distance from cooking areas.
• Keep hot liquids such as coffee away from children.

Fall-related Injuries

Every day, around 8,000 children are treated for fall-related injuries in the United States.

• Install railing and barriers anywhere a fall risk is present. This includes at the top of stairs, on windows or any location where there are significant changes in elevation.
• Check existing railings and guards regularly to make sure they are secure.
• Discourage children from climbing on furniture in your home.
• If you have a swing set or playground at your home, make sure that the surfaces below the structures are soft enough to cushion a child in the event of a fall.
• Remember that young children may also be at a fall risk from their crib.

Furniture Tip-Over Injuries

Every two weeks, a child is killed due to a furniture or television tip-over.

• Anchor and secure all televisions and pieces of furniture of your home.
• Be mindful of any item that is top-heavy, and remember that even the heaviest of furniture can tip over.
• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when assembling or installing a device in your home.
• Avoid tempting your child by placing items atop tall pieces of furniture.

Poisoning-related Injuries

Globally, around 13 percent of poison-related injuries occur among children under the age of 20.

• Keep all toxic chemicals, such as bleach or cleaning agents, in a place where children cannot see or reach them.
• When using household cleaners, keep all agents in their original containers and make sure your home is well-ventilated.
• Keep any beverages containing alcohol in a place where children won’t be able to access them.
• Keep prescription medications out of reach for small children.
• If anyone in your home uses e-cigarettes, keep all e-liquids in a secure place where they are inaccessible to children. These e-liquids can often smell like candy and be tempting for children.

In case of emergencies, always keep first-aid kits and emergency contact information in an easily accessible place in your home. Making your home safe for children requires vigilance and regular inspection, but it is well worth the effort. We hope you have found our list helpful in making your home as safe as possible!