- Safety firstkids image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
As parents, it's our obligation to ensure the safety of children and the first place to start is in our own homes. When we glance around, we don't perceive all the hazardous situations that can cause potential danger to our children. The only way to keep children safe is by teaching them. - Teach your kids fire safety.burning house image by ivp from Fotolia.com
One of the top concerns parents should have is teaching their children about fire. When you teach your children about fire, this should include a well thought-out fire evacuation plan. Teach your children that if they smell smoke or see fire, stay close to the ground and exit through the nearest exit away from the fire. They should know to properly wrap themselves in a wet towel to prevent from being burnt and to make sure your children never re-enter a home that is on fire to save items or pets. - Never leave your child unattended near water.baby girl playing in bathtub image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
Whether it's a bathtub, sink or home swimming pool, your child should never be left unattended around water. Even if you feel you will only be away from the bathtub for a few seconds make sure your child is safely away from water first. Remember a child can drown in less than an inch of water. Check with your local ordinances about swimming poolsv as most require a separate fence that is gated to keep not only your children safe but other children in the neighborhood. - Household cleaners can be dangerous for children.glass cleaner image by Randy McKown from Fotolia.com
Chemicals such as bleach, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies and insecticides should be locked behind a cupboard. There are many safety devices that can be installed easily to ensure your children do not get into any type of harmful substance. It is also wise to make sure you have the number to Poison Control in an easy location 1-800-222-1222. - Slipping and falling can injure a child.broken wrist image by askthegeek from Fotolia.com
Get down to knee level and see your home from the level of children. This sometimes shows us some of the dangers we miss. What may seem like a normal step to us is big to a child, installing railings on any stairways help prevents a child from slipping and falling down stairs. Balconies should have safety nets installed. Even tubs should have safety devices installed so children do not slip getting in or out of a wet tub. - Guns and ammo should be locked separatelya gun image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
If you do not have a firearm cabinet that can be locked then the next best thing are trigger locks that are attached to the gun so the triggers cannot be pulled. Store and lock firearms and ammunition away from each other. Talk to your kids about guns and let them know the dangers of guns. It is also especially important you check your local jurisdictions about laws pertaining to gun safety many require you to house your guns in gun cabinets or apply trigger locks to the gun when children are in the home. - Stranger dangerman at the doorway image by Slobodan Djajic from Fotolia.com
If your child is ready to stay home alone it's very important that you teach your children how to properly handle a situation if a stranger is to call or come to the door. Most importantly make sure your child knows and understands when to call 911. If a stranger approaches them tell your children to move away quickly back to a caretaker and not to talk to the stranger. If your child is grabbed by a stranger tell them to kick, scream and run as fast as they can.
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