How sure are you about your kids’ home safety? As parents and guardians, we can't help but worry about our kids' safety both when we are with them and especially when we are not with them. Sometimes, however, being a loving parent is not enough to protect your kids from harm. You also have to be smart, aware of the possible dangers at home that can injure kids. Create a safe environment for your kids with home security tips for these 15 dangerous situations at home.
1. Using Potentially Harmful Bedding
Photo courtesy of TawnyNina via Pixabay
It’s great that you want your child to sleep comfortably.But using beddings suited for adults, such as fluffy pillows and thick comforters, is one of the most common safety mistakes. This will place your child in a precarious position that may lead to suffocation. Have your child sleep in the barest bed possible. On chilly nights, dress your baby in a warmer sleeper instead of piling on thick blankets.
2. When They Don’t Know About Your Security Devices
You’d be surprised that one of the most common home security mistakes is also one of the most preventable: kids not knowing about your security system. If your kids are aged 5 and up, it’s smart to orient them about your home’s security devices and their basic functions. You may also consider giving them their own security code so they can feel empowered.
3. Water is Too Hot
Photo courtesy of stock.tookapic.com via Pexels
Scald burns due to hot tap water or boiling soups is a serious threat. The injury can be severe because hot liquids can cover a large portion of the body. Avoid this home safety mistake by adjusting the water temperature to 96 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. When making soups or any dish that requires boiling, make sure that your kids are at a safe distance.
4. Always Secure Your Topple-Prone Appliances
Photo courtesy of Unsplash via Pexels
Many kids like to watch TV. Yet this innocent activity can compromise kids’ safety if you forget about securing your TV from falling on top of them. The same goes for your other appliances and home furniture like bookcases and dressers.
5. Your Child is Alone in the Bathtub
Your child alone in the tub is a charming idea if it’s for a creative photoshoot. But make no mistake about leaving your child alone in an actual bathtub as this can lead to drowning. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, it has become one of the most common safety mistakes wherein a child dies each week. Always give your child undivided attention during bath time.
6. Giving Up the Meat Thermometer
Photo courtesy of jeshoots via Pexels
Using a meat thermometer can protect your kids from food-borne illnesses such as salmonella and E.coli. Adults can just fall ill from these illnesses, but they can overwhelm your child’s body. Always cook meat properly. There are digital thermometers that can help you save time and effort by giving instant readings. This is great for roasts, hamburgers, and chicken breasts.
7. Smoke Detector's Battery is Dead
In the US alone, statistics show that while 94 percent of the households have at least one smoke alarm, only 75 percent have a properly-functioning one. It’s often that case that the batteries are dead. Using smoke detectors that are attached to your alarm system can help you avoid this issue by letting your alarm system power and supervise them. The Honeywell alarm system, for example, has an effective smoke alarm that can help protect your kids from home fires and smoke inhalation.
8. Risk of Choking on Balloons
Photo courtesy of Unsplash via Pixabay
Balloons can be great for parties, but they can be dangerous for toddlers. Because most balloons are made of latex, they’re one of the seemingly harmless things that put kids in danger at home. A deflated or popped out latex balloon can easily choke a toddler when they mistakenly put it in their mouth. A safer alternative is a Mylar balloon because they stay aloft longer and they don’t pop.
9. Childproof Granny’s Purse
Grandmas can have so much love for kids, but their bags can also be full of potentially harmful objects. Medications, cosmetics, sewing kit, loose change—these are just some of the items in Nana’s handbag that can be hazardous. When grandparents visit your kids, ask them to secure their purse or bag on top of a shelf or inside a cabinet.
10. Safekeep Your Firearm
In addition to having alarm systems, many parents also think that owning a gun can provide added home protection and a sense of security. This is alright as long as you secure them from your kids. Keep firearms locked, unloaded, and properly stored.
The world outside is the playground of your child. It’s an extension of your home. When dealing with kid safety, it’s vital to look at the bigger picture of helping protect the environment. From recycling to using an energy efficient security system, you can contribute in making the world a safer place for your kids.
Avoiding these 15 safety mistakes at home and having sophisticated home security systems make you an empowered and effective parent. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a living and loving space that is secure and safe.
11. Do Your Kids Know Quick Emergency Response?
Emergency situations cannot always be avoided. The important question is: do your kids know how to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies? In addition to teaching your kids how to use the panic button of your security system, it’s smart to devise a family plan or prepare a kit. Teaching your kids early about how to act in emergencies is an invaluable life lesson.
12. Remove Knives from the Sudsy Sink
Many adults get rushed to the ER for being cut badly by a knife. Protect your kids from this possible danger by properly storing your kitchen knives. Avoid tossing and leaving your knives in a sink of sudsy water because they may injure your kids when they wash their hands or help with the dishes.
13. Toxic Substances are Within Reach
Photo courtesy of tookapic via Pixabay
Be careful about toxic substances that resemble items like candy, toy, food or a juice pouch.
Cleaners, prescription drugs and even vitamins should be high up and locked up. Also consider using cabinet sensors from alarm systems to childproof the areas where you store potentially hazardous items.
14. Having Your Kid Ride in the Front Seat
In most common car accidents, the front-end of the vehicle gets the most impact. It’s for this reason that children should always be placed at the backseat. What’s more, while the airbag can be lifesaving for adults, it can be too forceful and deadly to young kids. Always observe the backseat rule for kids until they reach the age of 12 to 13.
15. Forgetting about Taking Care of the Environment
Photo courtesy of Lerkrat Tangsri via Pexels
The world outside is the playground of your child. It’s an extension of your home. When dealing with kid safety, it’s vital to look at the bigger picture of helping protect the environment. From recycling to using an energy efficient security system, you can contribute in making the world a safer place for your kids.
Avoiding these 15 safety mistakes at home and having sophisticated home security systems make you an empowered and effective parent. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a living and loving space that is secure and safe.
Customer Service
