Kidsafe Homes

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Safety in the house with electrical equipment and electricity:

• Use electrical safety switches. These turn power on and off when there is a fault.
• Unplug electrical appliances as you finish with them and put them out of reach.
• Don't use electric floor heaters in the bathroom.
• Use plug in covers to stop children poking things into the power points.
• Don't use electric blankets with children younger than 2 or bed wetters.
• Make sure your microwave oven is high and out of children's reach. If low make sure to turn it off at the power point.
• Remember that electricity, water and children don't mix.
• Have a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket in the kitchen or use a large pan lid to help smother small fires.

Stop the risks of your children burning or scalding themselves:

• Keep microwaved food out of reach until it is cool enough to use.
• Only boil enough water for your tea and coffee and empty the rest. Hot water scalds for up to 30 minutes after it has boiled.
• Use stove guards and curly cords on electric kettles to avoid children pulling down hot liquids.
• Make sure stoves are firmly attached to the floor or wall.
• Keep hot irons away from children. Put them up high to cool after use.
• Don't use petrol etc to start fires or barbecues. Use heat beads.
• Dress children in low fire risk clothes. Be aware that cotton is highly flammable.
• Always watch children in the bath to make sure they don't turn on the hot water. Child resistant taps are useful to prevent this and so are mixing valves.
• Fill the bath with cold water first adding the hot water and then a little more cold water to cool the tap. Put the child in last.
• Use a guard around fires and heaters.
• Keep hot drinks away from small children. Don't drink these with children in your lap.
• Use place mats instead of table cloths.

Kids safety in the home:

• Use slow self closing springs on doors or catches to keep them open.
• Know where children are to avoid closing doors on their fingers.
• Special strips are available to guard the hinge side of doors.
• Use chocks, wedges or catches to keep internal doors from slamming.
• Avoid highly polished floors.
• Use rug grips to avoid slipping.
• Make sure floor coverings are in good condition.
• Use gate barriers to keep young children away from steps, stairs and balcony rails.
• Use corner protectors on benches, coffee tables and other sharp cornered furniture.

Stop your children from the risks of drowning:

• Always watch children near water.
• Take the child with you if you must answer the phone or door at bath time.
• Nappy buckets should have firmly attached lids on them and be stored up high.
• Indoor spa's should have a lockable door and be emptied immediately after use.
• Outdoor spa's should be fenced the same as swimming pools.
• Empty paddling pools immediately after use.
• Cover post holes or trenches during building.
• Cover ponds with a fixed grill.
• After heavy rain, check your yard and empty any water that collects in containers.

Safety with children's furniture:

• Use latches on any cupboard doors etc.
• Special strips are available to guard the hinge side of doors.
• Remember strollers can also trap little fingers.
• If you need a bunk bed buy one built to Australian Standards.
• Make sure bunk beds have guard rails and a fixed ladder.
• Children under 9 should not sleep in top bunks.

Handy Hints

	»	Let older children know how easily it is for little ones to get their fingers jammed in doors etc. Ask them to check that the door is clear before they close it.
	»	Remember that flotation aids are not lifesaving devices. Stay with children when swimming in the pool.
	»	Learn how to give resuscitation or take a refresher course. In an emergency, take the child with you to call the ambulance. You will be given directions over the phone.
	»	When visiting ask about any drowning hazards. Many children have drowned at friends' home because their parents didn't know there was a pool, spa or pond on the property.
	»	Door barriers and playpens can keep small children away from cooking and ironing areas. Or put yourself and the ironing inside the playpen.
	»	Some hot water systems can be turned down by the house holder. Check yours. If you can adjust the thermostat, turn it down to 50° C. This will also save you money.
	»	Take a first aid course. The treatment of burns and scalds has changed in recent years. Be sure you know what to do. Cool a burn or scald with cold water for 10 to 20 minutes. Seek medical advice.
	»	Install a smoke detector. A smoke detector will warn you early that there is a fire and give you time to get out safely. Hardware stores sell them and they are simple to install.
	»	Plan a fire exit. Rehearse having to get out of your home. Make a game of it for children. Keep a torch by your bed.
	»	Teach children to "STOP, DROP, ROLL" if their clothes catch fire and "GET DOWN LOW AND GO" in the case of a house fire.
	»	Hold regular clean ups outside your home to remove junk.

Source: A Parents Guide to Kidsafe Homes

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