During this time of disrupted schedules, caregivers are juggling responsibilities for work and children at the same time, presenting the potential for injury.
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Steps to reduce risks
Safe Kids Fayette County shares these steps parents and caregivers can take to help reduce these risks:
- Keep hazards out of reach. Store household chemicals, hand sanitizers, medications, alcohol and cosmetic products up high – out of sight and out of reach.
- Install safety products. All those child safety products you bought (cabinet locks, furniture anchors, TV straps) but never installed – now is a GREAT time to get those set up.
- Follow the ABCs of safe sleep. Alone, on back, in crib to meet federal standards. No inclined sleepers or bumper pads.
- Get out of the house. Ride a bike with a properly fitted helmet.
- Practice home fire drills. Change smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector/alarm batteries.
- Store firearms securely and out of reach.
- Keep vehicles locked and keys/fobs out of reach.
- Organize toys. Separate toys by age and keep a sharp eye on small game pieces and button batteries that may be a hazard.
- Eliminate choking hazards. If it can fit in a toilet paper roll, it is too small for kids under age 3.
- Purge old toys. Before selling or giving away, search recalls.gov for unsafe or recalled toys.
- Keep windows out of reach. When opening windows, do not open more than 4 inches and move bed/crib 3 feet away.
- Keep kids busy. Kids who are bored will start to explore. Supervision is of utmost importance.
With COVID-19 creating challenges for our healthcare systems, it is more important than ever to keep safe and out of the hospital.