Providing a safe environment for children is a primary concern for parents, teachers, caretakers and everyone who shares the joy of watching children grow. The members of GVHBA want your family to enjoy a safe, secure home without fear of injury. Being aware of, and eliminating the potential for accidents is key to avoiding the heartbreak of an injured child.

The kitchen and bathroom are two rooms that require particular attention to avoid accidents. Here are some tips about how to make those rooms safer.

In The Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places in the home. Children are at risk from burns, poisoning, choking and cuts. The majority of burns are from hot foods and liquids. Children can be poisoned from household cleaners and vitamins. They can choke on certain foods and small objects, and get cut from kitchen appliances and silverware.

To Prevent Burns

• Keep children out of the kitchen while cooking and supervise closely all other times.
• Set the water heater thermostat to 49 degrees Celsius or less and consider installing anti-scald devices.
• Place hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters and tables, and never on tablecloths or placemats.
• Keep appliance cords tied up, out of children's reach and unplugged. Place covers over all electrical outlets.
• Use back burners and turn pot handles to the back of the stove when cooking.
• Install guards on stove knobs.
• Never hold children and hot foods or liquids at the same time.
• Never let children remove hot foods or liquids from a microwave oven.
• Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible.
• Wear close fitting clothing while cooking.
• Do not leave cooking food unattended.

To Prevent Poisoning

• Store all detergents, household products, pet supplies, medicines and vitamins out of reach.
• List poison control centre and emergency numbers near telephones.

To Prevent Choking

• Keep round, hard foods like grapes, popcorn, raw carrots, hard candies, nuts and raisins away from children ages 4 and under.
• Keep small items such as safety pins, coins, buttons and tacks out of reach.
• Learn CPR and First Aid.

To Prevent Falls

• Keep children securely strapped into highchairs, swings and other juvenile products.

To Prevent Cuts

• Store knives and other sharp utensils in drawers or cabinets secured with safety latches.

In The Bathroom

Children should never be left unattended in the bathroom. They are at risk from drowning, scalds, poisoning and falls. Children can drown in a matter of seconds and in less than an inch of water. Scald burns occur when children are left unsupervised, and are placed in water that is too hot or when another child turns on the hot water.

To Prevent Drowning

• Never leave children alone in the bathroom, even for a few seconds.
• Place safety locks on all toilet lids.

To Prevent Scald Burns

• Set the water heater thermostat to 49 degrees Celsius or less and consider installing anti-scald devices.
• Always test the water temperature before putting children in the bathtub or shower.
• Turn children away from the bathtub spout so they cannot turn on the faucet.

To Prevent Poisoning

• Store all medicines, vitamins and cosmetics locked out of reach.
• Always use child-resistant packaging.
• Keep Ipecac Syrup on hand for use on the advice of a poison control centre or a physician.

To Prevent Falls

• Apply non-slip surfaces and install grab bars in the bathtub and shower.
• Secure bathroom rugs with non-slip backing.

To Prevent Electrical Burns

• Keep electrical appliances away from water and out of children's reach
• Place covers over all electrical outlets.

To Prevent Cuts

• Store sharp objects such as razors and scissors locked out of reach.
• Keep first aid supplies in a locked medicine cabinet.  

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