Keeping your family safe is the most crucial part of parenting. You’ll always look out for your kids, but parents can’t expect themselves to prevent every possible danger. Use this guide to ensure your kids’ safety in your home, whether you’re in the same room or across the house.
1. Keep a First-Aid Kit Stocked
No one can predict the future, so knowing precisely what first-aid supplies you should buy is challenging. It’s more helpful to keep a general kit stocked with health care essentials like:
- Antibiotic ointment
- Band-Aids of various sizes
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Tweezers
- A thermometer
- Pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Consider your family’s unique health needs as well. If your child has diabetes, you should have things such as glucose tablets and a glucagon injection kit around for emergencies. Keep an eye on your supplies so you can restock more commonly used supplies like Band-Aids.
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2. Take a CPR Class
Your local hospital will likely host CPR classes throughout the year. Spending a few hours of your time in a seminar and practicing on CPR manikins could save your family member’s life if they can’t breathe on their own. Your older kids and teens can even join you if they’re old enough to pass the age qualification for the class.
3. Explain Hazards in Understandable Ways
Kids may feel invincible in their safe family bubble because they haven’t encountered an emergency yet. If you tell them not to run with knives or use your iron, they may be unable to accurately imagine the harmful consequences of going against your warning.
It’s more helpful to explain dangers to your kids in ways they’ll understand. Picture yourself telling your five-year-old not to touch the burner after you finish cooking. If you explain how the heat will make their skin burn for a few days and potentially blister, they’ll have much more reason to avoid it than if they heard the common “because I told you so” explanation. This tip is also helpful for other areas of your home.
You could point out how the garage door closes when you press the button on your car’s remote or the wall operating panel. Explain how the operator rail guides the door down as long as the sensors don’t detect anything. Your child should stay clear of the door as it’s closing in case the sensors malfunction and doesn’t see if someone’s below the door.
Repeating this for potential dangers like gripping a hot curling iron or running across the road without looking ensures your kids’ safety by turning warnings into teaching moments.
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4. Lock Away Cleaning Supplies
Colorful detergent pods and soft Clorox wipes are sensory objects. Young kids might want to explore them with their sense of taste, but that would result in a trip to the emergency room. It’s better to attach child locks to kitchen or bathroom cabinets. You’ll prevent curious minds from putting themselves in danger by keeping cleaning supplies out of sight until your kids are older.
5. Install Safety Guards
When kids learn how to crawl or walk, nothing stops them from moving around your home. Although it’s healthy to encourage their curiosity, parents should consider installing safety guards around stairways, balconies and doorways between rooms. You’ll keep your young children from falling or accessing spaces they shouldn’t be in alone.
This step could also include locking your windows. When your child understands how to lift a window open, fall risks become a new concern. Lock the windows to prevent this issue, especially if your kids can access windows in second- or third-floor living spaces.
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6. Review Fire Safety Plans
Would your kids know what to do if a faulty electrical line sparks a fire in your home while everyone’s sleeping? Every family must review their fire safety evacuation plan at least once a year until the steps become instinctive.
Talk with your young and older children about essential steps like picking an outdoor meeting place, such as your mailbox or the neighbor’s driveway. Everyone can meet there if the smoke alarm goes off.
They should also know how to do things like crawl along the floor if the house fills with smoke and cover their mouth to breathe more easily. Your older kids or teens could even learn how to operate the fire extinguisher in your kitchen in case the fire starts while someone’s cooking.
7. Demonstrate Calling 911
If you’re not around or able to help your children, they should know how to call 911. Demonstrate how to dial the number and remind them never to use that line unless their parent isn’t around to help in an emergency.
Describe situations like a burglar breaking in or a fire starting. A family member could bleed profusely after an accident with a kitchen knife or become unable to breathe due to a heart attack. If your kids know who to call, they’ll always be within reach of assistance.
Ensure Your Child’s Safety at Home
Accidents and unexpected medical emergencies happen to people every day. You never know what the future has in store for your family, so prepare your kids by ensuring their safety with these essential tips. If they know how to respond to emergencies, prevent accidents and call for help, your kids will have a happier, safer life.