Child Safety Week aims to prevent accidents in the home
Wed, June 07, 2017
Are you aware that home accidents are the biggest cause of death in children and every year thousands of children are injured at home?
During Child Safety Week from June 5th to June 11th, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is asking people to follow guidelines and advice to help reduce deaths and injuries.
The majority of home accidents can be prevented and this year the theme of the week long awareness event is ‘Safe Children: Sharing is Caring’.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Home Safety Officer, David Adams said: “By encouraging parents to share experiences with other parents we hope it will help reduce the number of home accidents involving children aged under 5.”
Parents are being urged to follow home safety guidelines, and always ensure that:
- The stair gate is closed.
- Hot drinks are out of reach of toddlers.
- Babies and toddlers are strapped into highchairs.
- Blind cords are tied up out of reach.
- All medicines and chemicals are locked away.
- There is nothing under windows which could be used to climb on and get access to the window.
- Hair Straighteners are put in their heat resistant pouch after use.
- Button batteries are disposed of properly.
As the warmer weather starts to approach, it is also important to remember that there are many hazards in your own back garden.
- Check that ponds and water features are fenced off or covered with a strong wire mesh.
- Trampolines are located on grass with a properly fitted safety net and padding, and only 1 person is on the trampoline at any one time.
- Barbeques are not left unattended and ensure that children are not allowed to play in the same area.
- Paddling pools are emptied at the end of each day and stored on their side.
- Children playing on bikes, scooters or skateboards are wearing properly fitting safety helmets and appropriate padding.
- Play equipment, such as swings and slides are located on grass with adequate space around each piece of equipment.
- Garden tools and chemicals are locked away in a secure shed and electrical equipment is never left plugged in when not in use.
- Gates are shut and secure to ensure that children cannot get onto roads.
The 2017 Child Safety Week Action Pack is full of information for parents and can be downloaded at http://www.childsafetyweek.org.uk
For further information or to receive your free home safety assessment, please contact Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Home Safety Team on 028 2766 0257.