*Childproofing
Your Home*
Carbon Dioxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very dangerous hazard that may exist in your home. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue to the point of sleepiness, vomiting, and confusion/disorientation. If the exposure level is very high loss of consciousness and even death can occur. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be diagnosed through visual inspection. If exposure has occurred the person's lips will look cherry colored. Carbon monoxide will alter the ability of the body to utilize and absorb oxygen, so a blood gas can also be given to determine the amount of oxygen level in the blood. The only real treatment for this type of poisoning is that the patient is given oxygen and they are removed from the exposure area.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented if you have all central heating units (furnace and water heaters) serviced regularly by a trained technician. Also, any appliance that runs on some kind of fuel should receive the same regular service.
Non-vented space heaters should never be used overnight in a place where you are sleeping. Your best protection is to install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. These detectors have an alarm that will alert you to any danger. If your alarm does detect carbon monoxide open the windows of your home for ventilation and evacuate the premises. Some of the early warning signs that are visible are rusty water streaks on a vent or chimney, loose or missing furnace panels, a loose or disconnected chimney connection, or soot from a chimney, fireplace or appliance. Any of these situations may indicate a potential carbon monoxide problem.
Fire Safety
Smoke detectors should be installed in every room, and should be tested on a monthly basis. Batteries should replaced twice a year with new ones. You should have a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home, and know how to use it. Keep fire extinguishers away from small children. You should have at least two fire escape plans and practice them regularly. Practice your escape route at different times of the year, because what works in the summer may not work in the winter. All lighters and matches should be kept out of reach of children. Emergency numbers should be posted close to each phone in your home.
Bathroom Safety:
To prevent drowning hazards, never leave water in the tub or sink unattended. When bathing your child keep your hand by your child's back or use a bath ring. Never leave your child unattended in the bath even for a second! Keep hot water set below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and install
anti-scald devices. Install a spout cover to protect from burns and falling accidents. Use non-slip mat or stickers in the tub to prevent falls. Remove items such as shampoo, conditioner and razors from around your tub. Keep the lid down and install a toilet lock to prevent the child from playing in the toilet. A small child could fall in and drown. Install cabinet locks to prevent children from getting into the medicine cabinet and sink cabinet. Only purchase child resistant products. Ensure that the bathroom door doesn't lock. If privacy is an issue install a latch lock at eye level.
Bedrooms:
Only use children's furniture which meets the Juvenile Products Manufacturers' Association's certification requirements, and be sure furniture is properly assembled. Always keep the side rails up when your child is in a crib. Keep mobiles out of the reach of the baby. Use bed rails to prevent the child from falling out of bed. Do not permit the baby from sleeping on a water bed. The baby can roll on its stomach and suffocate. Do not place furniture under windows. Be sure the child's bedroom doors cannot be locked by installing a door knob without a lock. If picture frames are used in the bedroom, secure them to the wall with screws. Use safety toy chests that will lock open and not fall on the child's head. When emptying your pockets at night put items in a childproof container to prevent choking hazards. Remove dry cleaned clothes from the plastic bag, and discard the bag properly. Put all toys away at the end of the day, and use a night light to prevent falls.
The Family Room:
Install window preventers and sliding glass door locks in your home. These locks allow you to open windows and doors, but prevent children from opening windows and doors any further than 4 inches. Make sure all carpets are firmly tacked or taped in place. Tables with glass inserts can be a danger to small children. Install corner cushions on your tables to protect children if they fall. Install a fireplace heart protector, or block the fireplace off, to protect your child from the hazards of falling. Remove small objects from lower shelves that may pose a choking hazard. Keep blind cords out of the reach of children by either winding them up or tying them near the top of the blind. If you store guns, keep them securely locked away and lock ammunition in a separate location. Install trigger locks on all guns. Use a VCR lock to prevent children from placing unwanted items in the VCR. If you have a bar in the family room, lock away all alcohol.
Playroom Safety:
Check all toys for small parts and discard any items which may pose a choking hazard. Purchase toys recommended for your child's age. Toy chests should have safety supports to prevent the lid from falling on the child's head. Toy chests should also contain a locking hasp. If a child does climb into the chest he or she should be able to get out. Never store toys on the top of furniture or on shelves in a closet. This could represent a fall hazard. Use a room monitor to listen to your child while playing.
Kitchen and dining room:
Install a stove guard to preventing from turning the knobs or reaching for hot pots and pans. Cook using the back burners of your stove, and turn pot handles toward the rear of the stove. Place microwave ovens out of reach of young children. Keep sharp utensils in a childproofed drawer or childproofed cabinet. Install childproof locks on drawers and cabinets that are within the child's reach. Unplug appliances when not in use. Store plastic bags in a locked childproofed cabinet. If you have a garbage disposal use a switch blocker to prevent children from turning on the appliance. Install an oven latch and appliance latches to prevent children from playing with your appliances. Keep waste baskets covered or out of reach. Install BI-fold door locks on all BI-fold doors in your home. Check your china closet for stability, there could be a tumbling hazard. You should bold unstable furniture to the wall to prevent it from falling. Secure booster chairs firmly to chairs to prevent children from slipping and sliding. Place hot food items in the center of the table to prevent children from pulling them off the table.
Stairways and Banisters:
Keep stairs clear of all clutter. Don't collect items on the stairway, and don't place things on the stairs that need to be taken upstairs. Keep stairways properly illuminated. Use gates to prevent children from playing on stairs. Use door knob locks to prevent children from opening doors to the basement and other unsafe areas. Do not use child walkers around stairways. Banister rails should be no more than 4 inches apart, and be sure that hand rails and banisters are secure.
*Poison
Prevention*
All harmful drugs, poisons, and household products should be safely locked away. Keep all medicines (including vitamins) securely locked in a medicine cabinet. Poisons and household products should be locked in a cabinet separate from food items. Be especially careful when using these products, and remember to replace child-resistant caps after use.
Avoid taking medicines in front of children, because children love to imitate. Contact the pediatrician before giving any medicine to your child, and follow the dosage levels prescribed. Never reuse medications. Old and leftover medicine should be disposed of by flushing down the toilet. Pay special attention when visiting people who do not have small children. They may not be aware of the dangers of poisoning and may have medications and other hazards in their home or on their person. Post the number of the poison control center by every phone.
*Preventing
Burns*
Matches and lighters should always be kept out of children's reach. The temperature on your hot water heater should be below 115 degrees and water temperature should always be tested before bathing your baby. Hot liquids should be placed away from the edges of counters and tables. When micro waving food, always test for hot spots in the food before feeding it to your child.
Safety screens and fence type guards should be used to make space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves inaccessible to children. You should never carry children while holding hot drinks, food or cigarettes. Use back burners on your stove whenever possible when cooking. Always make sure that clothing; toys, tents, furniture and bedding are made of non-flammable materials.
Following these simple safety rules can prevent a serious accident from happening to your child.
*Electrical
Hazards*
If your children are under 5 years old safeguard against electrical hazards by putting plastic safety caps in all unused electrical outlets. Safety covers can be installed on outlets in use to block the outlet when the plug is removed. Cribs, playpens, high chairs and other baby furniture should be kept away from electrical cords and appliances. Frayed or faulty electrical cords should be replaced. You should always make sure that all fixtures have bulbs in them. All appliances should be kept away from water and unplugged when not in use. Electrical outlets should never be overloaded. Do not allow children under five to use electrical toys without supervision.
Every year thousands of children are seriously or fatally injured by electrical accidents. This can be avoided by following simply safety tips in your home.
*CAR
SAFETY TIP*
Babies should always be faced rearward as long as possible, at least until they are 1 year old. The front seat should be pushed back as far as possible. Children should never ride in the front seat of a car with dual air bags under any circumstances. The risk of injury to any age child is reduced if the child is in the back seat and not the front. A child should not be put in a booster seat until he/she has completely outgrown their regular safety seat. This would be if the child weighs more than 40 pounds or is too tall for the seat. A child is too tall for the seat if his/her shoulders are higher than the top set of harness slots or if the tips of their ears are above the back of the safety seat. If the child weighs less than 40 pounds, but is too tall for the seat, then a booster seat should be used. These seats are slightly taller and can be used with the built in harness for children up to 40 pounds and later as a belt-positioning booster, with lap and shoulder belt for children up to 60-100 pounds. Booster seats should not be used in a car that is only equipped with lap belts. Remember to use caution when driving and buckle up.
*PLANTS
-- SAFETY
TIP*
This month I would like to talk about hazardous plants that could pose the threat of toxicity to a child if ingested.
Adenium, commonly known as Desert Rose, is a toxic plant. The bulb of the Amaryllis plant, the leaves and nectar of the Azalea (Rhododendron), sap from an Aloe plant, the nut and twigs of the Horse Chestnut (Buckeye), Holly berries, Daffodil bulbs, Rhubarb leaves, and the Tulip are toxic substances. The Lily of the Valley is extremely toxic; including the water the plant was in. Other toxic plants include Begonias, Autumn Crocus, Wild Indigo (Baptisia), Buttercup, Christmas Rose (Helleborous), English Ivy (berries and leaves), Yew (Ground Hemlock), Sweet pea, Wisteria, and Yellow Sage. The pit kernel of apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and prunes are toxic. Deadly Nightshade
(better known as Solanum) is fatal if ingested.
If you are not sure if a product or plant is poisonous, contact your Regional Poison Control Center.
TOY
SAFETY
TIP
The holidays are almost here and I'd like to share some toy safety tips this month. Use the manufacturer's recommendations and common sense when choosing toys for a child. The toy should match the child's abilities, and not be too advanced or too simple. The child could misuse the toy and this could lead to injury. All toy parts should be larger than the child's mouth to prevent choke hazards. To avoid risk of serious eye and ear injury, do not choose toys that shoot small objects into the air or make loud shrill noises. Look for sturdy toy construction and avoid toys with sharp edges. The eyes, nose and other small parts on soft toys and stuffed animals should be securely fastened.
For older children, never buy hobby kits such as chemistry kits for any child younger than 12, and provide supervision for children 12 to 15 years of age. Tips of arrows or darts should be blunt, made of soft rubber or flexible plastic and securely fastened to the shaft. Parents should continue to watch out for mislabeled toys and always provide proper supervision for younger children. A child's pediatrician can help a parent decide which toys are safe for newborns, toddlers and teens
alike.
Visit Safety
Alerts for added information.
*LEAD
SAFETY
TIP*
Lead--What
Do You Know?
Many plastic mini-blinds contain dangerous levels of lead. Recently this hazard has been linked to children's lead poisoning in many states. The plastic mini-blinds are being manufactured in Taiwan, China, and Mexico. These blinds are currently being sold in discount stores, home improvement stores and shopping catalogues nationwide.
Children and adults, while handling these blinds, are being exposed to
lead--mainly those putting hands in their mouth or eating after touching the blinds,
which can be potentially dangerous. These blinds are the biggest new source of lead posing a threat at this time. It is recommended that if your blinds do contain lead that they be removed.
Millions of children fall victim to lead poisoning every year, and prevention is the only cure. Locate potential sources of lead in your home and always wash your children's hands frequently, especially before eating. The effects of lead poisoning include:
learning disabilities, delinquent behavior, hyperactivity, decreased growth, kidney and heart disease, and even brain damage. Other common potential lead contaminated areas include older play equipment and chipping paint from windows, door trim and even walls. Home test kits are available to determine if you have a lead problem in your home.
HALLOWEEN
SAFETY REMINDERS
Here are a few Halloween safety
tips: this year allow your child to trick-or-treat only at homes of friends or neighbors you know personally. You should make sure your child's costume, wig, and mask
are flame resistant. You should apply reflective tape to your child's ankles and wrists to ensure that they are visible in the dark. A flashlight should also be carried. You should avoid scarves, hats, and masks that obscure vision or breathing.
Always inspect your child's treats before allowing him or her to sample them. Of course, a really good idea is to consider having a Halloween party for your child and their friends instead of extended trick-or-treating. Please consider following these safety
tips--and have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
*BACK
TO SCHOOL SAFETY REMINDERS*
Summer is over and everyone is heading back to school. Whenever possible children should walk with others when going to the bus stop. They should walk on the sidewalk, but if one isn't available, they should walk as close to the curb as possible. Always remind your child to remain alert and avoid any signs of danger. Traffic lights and signals should always be obeyed. They should cross only at the corner, use a crosswalk, and always look both ways before crossing the street.
While waiting for the bus your child should be dressed appropriately for the weather, and never play in the street. When the bus arrives your child should not approach the bus until it stops completely and the driver signals them. When getting on and off the bus, they should be careful not to get ties, drawstrings and backpacks caught in the doors, railings or aisles. Children should never push, should enter the bus single file, and always use the handrails.
When riding the bus they should sit facing forward and remain seated throughout the ride. School bus rules should be obeyed, and arms, hands and
head should be kept inside the bus. All belongings should be kept away from emergency exits or
in the aisle. Eating and drinking is not allowed on the bus. Children should never distract the driver or annoy other people. They should remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop, and should never walk behind the bus or crawl under it. The child should always cross the street from in front of the bus, and should look both ways before crossing.
If it is not possible to accompany your child to the bus stop,
remind them that they should never talk to, accept a ride or go with a stranger. They should know their telephone number and the number of a close friend or relative. Help make this school year a happy and safe one.
*CHILD
PLAYGROUND SAFETY*
The playground equipment that is appropriate for a 2 year old would not
be appropriate for an eight year old because children are developmentally
different. Play areas should be separated and contain appropriately
designed equipment. Children of
all ages should always be supervised when playing on equipment. Adults need to watch for potential hazards, and be available
in case an injury occurs whether the child is playing in school, at childcare,
preschools, or in public parks.
A piece of moving equipment that is most likely to cause injuries is
swings. Metal and wooden seats
should be replaced with soft seats. Swings
should be on a separate framework rather than being attached to other
equipment. It should have a fall
zone that is two times the height of the swing hanger in front and in back of
the swing seats. The fall zone should extend six feet to the side of the
support structure.
Platforms should have guardrails or protective barriers depending on
the age level of the children who will use the equipment, and the height of
the platform. Guardrails and
protective barriers should be at least 29 inches high for school aged
children. To safeguard
playgrounds from head entrapment there should be no openings between 31/2 and
9 inches on any equipment. A
child’s head should always be able to clear the opening.
Openings between platforms, openings at the top of the slide, and
spacers on climbers less than 9 inches are a danger. Dress children in clothes that do not have strings.
Strings can be caught in areas between the platform and slide, on
protruding nuts and bolts, and V-shaped places.
Protruding nuts and bolts can also cause punctures and other serious
injuries. Bolts should extend no
more than 2 threads beyond the face of the nut.
Open hooks should be closed metal to metal, and climbing ropes should
be anchored on both ends.
The areas under and around playground equipment where children can fall
are very important and should include a properly cushioned surface.
This area should extend at least 6 feet in all directions from the edge
of stationary equipment. For
slides higher than 4 feet, an additional 4 feet should be added to the height
of the slide to determine the distance that the surfacing should extend from
the end of the slide. The fall
zone at the exit of the slide should extend a minimum of 6 feet from the end
of the slide for slides 4 feet or less in height.
A fall onto hard surfaces such as asphalt, blacktop, concrete, grass,
packed dirt or rocks can be life threatening.
Hardwood fiber/mulch, pea gravel, and sand are acceptable surfaces for
playgrounds. Other options
include rubber tile, mats, or poured surfaces.
Surfaces should be at least 12 inches deep for equipment up to 8 feet
in height.
All playgrounds should undergo periodic checks.
Equipment should be adequately maintained and stable to the ground.
All parts should be securely fastened and no footings should be
exposed.
* Remember, that adult supervision is a very important safety
precaution in playground safety.
