Helicopter parents are notorious for imagining the worst-case scenario 24/7, whether they’re attending a neighborhood picnic or lounging poolside. While moms and dads nationwide are always on the lookout for hazards that might place their children in harm’s way, all too often, these same parents fail to see the dangers present in their home’s living spaces.
Parents who want to ensure the safety of their children can start by asking themselves the following questions. Failure to do so could result in life-altering or life-threatening injuries sustained by your overly-curious little ones.
Do you have toxic chemical-based pesticides stored around your home?
Pest control is an essential puzzle piece in a homeowner’s routine maintenance picture. However, some homeowners’ harsh chemicals and physically-abrasive pest control methods can endanger toddlers and their wandering hands. In some cases, curious children may accidentally ingest a chemical-based pesticide or injure themselves by sticking their hands in a rat trap.
With these hazards in mind, chemicals and pesticides should never be accessible to small children. Parents should deny their young children access to areas recently treated with potentially toxic pesticides. For those homeowners who prefer to keep chemical-based compounds out of the home altogether, try partnering with a pest control provider like this that offers organic pest control solutions.
Do you know the danger zones in your home?
The majority of accidents involving children in the home happen in areas where water, heat, or toxic substances exist. Anywhere there’s potential for a fall should also be considered a home danger zone. After identifying these zones, parents should never allow children into these areas unattended.
Having difficulties pinpointing hazardous areas? Refer to how-to guides when childproofing and follow their instructions step-by-step.
Do you have a plan for emergencies?
To ensure emergency services are just a phone call away, parents should post a list of emergency numbers next to every landline. The listed numbers should include poison control, family doctors, and other numbers that may prove helpful during an emergency. Parents should also learn CPR and necessary first aid procedures.
When hiring babysitters, parents should set standards regarding CPR and First Aid certification. Additionally, these caretakers should be made aware of danger zones.
Are dangerous items covered in your home?
Power outlets can be life-threatening to children when left exposed. A simple cover will prevent children from poking, prodding, or touching an electrical outlet. Placing a shield over light fixtures will yield the same result.
Parents should consider purchasing safety netting and window guards to safeguard their children against possible accidents that result from unsecured windows. Covers are also necessary for hot pipes, radiators, and other burn hazards in the home.
Are dangerous items out of reach?
A child’s curious mind can render the most inconspicuous items a hazard. For example, a standard household cleaner used to sanitize your countertops can easily poison your unsupervised toddler.
That said, your children shouldn’t be able to access any medications or cleaning materials that are dangerous for them to ingest. Parents should also ensure that small items and toys that present choking hazards are far out of reach when you can’t supervise their playtime.
Parents should position the drawstrings on blinds and any other strangulation hazards out of arm’s reach for optimal safety and security. Plastic bags, lighters, candles, and matches are other items that qualify as potential strangulation hazards.
Are your alarms working correctly?
Smoke alarms are excellent tools for warning your home’s residents of potential danger from a fire. Though, these alarms can only do their jobs when in proper working conditions.
To protect your little one from smoke inhalation and painful third-degree burns, install a smoke alarm on every floor of your home. There should also be an alarm in each bedroom. Check the batteries once a month and change them at least once a year, whether you think they need changing or not.
Carbon Monoxide alarms are equally essential in sleeping areas. The batteries for these alarms also need changing no less than once a year.
Are heavy objects secure?
Heavy objects that fall on children can cause serious injury. Parents should make certain that items and furniture like televisions, bookshelves, dressers, and other heavy furniture are secure in a way that prevents them from falling over. This safety precaution is especially vital when toddlers reach the development stage when they’re prone to pulling and climbing on every object they touch.
Are your outdoor play areas secure?
The area where your children play outside should accomplish two main goals: Your children shouldn’t be able to escape the play area during those few seconds you take your eye off them, and outside threats should be barred from entering these playgrounds.
Regardless of the area, outdoor play areas require fencing. Gates should remain locked, and small children shouldn’t be able to open them. You’ll also need to ensure these toddlers can’t wander into sheds, garages, and barns on the property without adult supervision.
The bottom line
Parents concerned with keeping their children safe from the world’s infinite dangers can start with their own homes. The eight tips above will provide a solid foundation for parents interested in childproofing their home.
