6 safety spots not to miss

The baby gates are up – check. The electrical outlets are plugged – check. The crib has been checked and double-checked. The house is now safe for young children…or is it? Take a moment to consider these six spots many people miss when child-proofing a home:

Burns and Scalds. Each day about 300 children ages 0-19 years are seen in emergency rooms from burn or scald injuries, many of which come from the kitchen. Keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of tables and counters.

Button Batteries. Each year, more than 3,300 button battery swallowing cases are reported to U.S. poison control centers. Keep items that may contain coin-sized lithium batteries, like key fobs and small remote controls, out of children’s reach and sight. If you suspect your child has ingested a battery, go to the hospital immediately. For recommended treatment, call the National Button Battery Hotline
at 202-625-3333.

Liquid Laundry Packets. In 2018, there were 9,444 calls to poison centers related to laundry packet incidents involving young children. Keep liquid laundry packets in their original containers, closed and out of children’s reach and sight. Call the Poison Help number immediately if your child gets one in their mouth: 1-800-222-1222.

Poisons. Every minute a poison control center receives a call about a child getting into a poison. Keep all household cleaning products, personal care products, vitamins and medicines in their original containers, out of children’s reach and sight. Save the Poison Help number in your phone and post it visibly at home: 1-800-222-1222.

Televisions. Each day, 15 children go to the ER because of a TV tip-over. Use brackets, braces, mounts or wall straps to secure unstable TVs or top-heavy furniture to prevent tip-overs.

Toys. In 2018, an estimated 165,000 children under the age of 15 were seen in emergency departments for toy-related injuries – 452 kids every day. When choosing a toy or game, carefully read age recommendations and warning labels. For little kids, check for small parts and other choking hazards.

Use this interactive tool to take a 360° view inside a toddler’s home and spot these six risks: safekids.org/childproofing360. For more home safety tips for families, visit safekids.org.