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29 March 2024

Safety with E24l7: Child-proof homes

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

Bringing your child home is one of the most exciting experiences for new parents. All the enthusiasm aside, the interior of the house should undergo some changes, as there are many risks around.

Civil Defense UAE is carrying out an awareness campaign, pointing out where these risks are. We have gathered some of the most essential dangers, followed by useful tips on how to prevent them.

Suffocation/inhalation

Suffocation is the second leading cause of accidental home injury leading to death among children under the age of 14, said the Civil Defense.

Suffocation can occur when the baby sleeps, as the parents will most likely be sleeping as well. The child can accidentally block his airways with items around him. It is therefore important to empty the baby cot of any potential hazards; soft bedding, pillows, toys and stuffed animals should all be taken out of the crib when the child goes to bed.

However, during sleep is not the only time when the child is at risk of this injury. Any small item in the house can do the trick: jewelry, buttons, marbles, coins, and safety pins should be kept away from children. Note that these items can be attached to toys as well, points Civil Defense out.

Last, chocking is a common injury while eating. “Never give children under the age of 6 small round or hard foods, such as hot dogs, grapes or popcorn,” is the advice.

Falling

Be it in the early months of a child’s life, or when he is able to walk around the house, children can fall. It would not be the first time a sleep-deprived mom drops her child of a commode; a baby slips though his stroller or suddenly seems to be able to roll off the couch. A close eye will prevent such falls.

When a child starts to move independently, preventing falls becomes more challenging. Ladders should be kept away from children so that they cannot climb them, is one of the tips of Civil Defense.

A common measure is to install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, and to keep the stairs clean so that when a child descends or climbs them, it is a safe way.

Halls, porches and walkways should always be lit in order to avoid any accidents.

Burns and scalds

Burns and scalds are another common injury among young children, usually as a result of dealing with hot liquids or fire inappropriately. This can be avoided, said Civil Defense.

“Keep children away from where you are cooking. Keep matches and lighters in a closed cabinet and out of reach from children. Never use gasoline or inflammable materials near children, and never purchase fireworks or explosive toys for kids.”

Further, hot liquids like tea and coffee should be kept away from children. In the bathroom, safety measures can be taken by blocking the hot water tap, and testing the temperature of the water before using it in a bath.

Drowning

Drowning can happen indoors as well as outdoors, when there is a swimming pool. Drowning in swimming pools is an accident happening too often, although this can easily be avoided. Children should never be left unattended when in a swimming pool, said Civil Defense. “Adults should keep their eyes on children every second they are near the water.”

However, the same logic applies to indoor water as well. A child can drown in a few centimeters of water, and it has happened. “Make sure bathrooms are close dafter use,” said Civil Defense, pointing out that not only the bathtub, but also the toilet forms a potential danger.

(Image via Shutterstock)