November is National Child Safety and Protection Month. This is a great time to raise awareness about the hazards that children face every day. It is also an excellent time for parents and caregivers to review their safety practices at home, work, or playtime.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over nine million children visit the emergency room each year for unintentional injuries. Sadly, more than 12,000 children die from accidental or preventable injuries each year. That’s why National Child Safety and Protection Month is so important.
Safety Tips for National Child Safety and Protection Month
Safety starts at home, and there are many ways that parents and caregivers can promote safety at home, work, or while at play. Take a look at these tips:
Safety Tips for Home:
- Keep all cleaning supplies and chemicals locked up or out of the reach of children.
- After using cleaning supplies, make sure they are put away quickly, and there is no residue left behind.
- Make sure that over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements have childproof caps and are kept out of the reach of children.
- Never use food containers to store non-food items.
Safety Tips for Infants:
- Make sure your infant sleeps in a crib with a firm mattress. Remove all toys and blankets before sleeping.
- Make sure you are using the correct car seat and it is installed correctly.
- Have carbon monoxide and smoke alarms installed on every level of your home.
- Make sure your infant’s crib is away from windows, blinds, or items with cords.
Outdoor Safety:
- Never leave children outside without supervision.
- When using a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or skates, make sure children wear an appropriate helmet.
- When using a stroller, always use the safety straps if you are walking or jogging.
- Teach children not to play in driveways or the street.
- Make sure all bodies of water are secured, locked, or covered. This includes pools, ponds, streams, barrels, birdbaths, etc.
- Make sure that children cannot access electrical cables or outlets.
By remembering these safety tips, you can help prevent unintentional injuries and their impact on your family.