In a world that seems to grow more dangerous every day, there’s one place you know your family and your children will always be safe: at home. Or so you think. The sad truth is accidents at home claim the lives of six American children every day (according to statistics from Safe Kids Worldwide) and send thousands more to the emergency room, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Consider the home dangers, and how to prevent accidents.
Vinyl-Lite Window Factory cares about your home and your children, so we’ve taken this opportunity to help you recognize potential threats to your family’s safety, and to provide a few tips for preventing dangerous, life-threatening accidents.
1. Unsecured windows
Safe Kids Worldwide reported nearly 2 million kids under the age of 12 visited the emergency room in 2013 as the result of a fall. Even windows on the first floor present a risk for trips and slips, and traditional window screens are not strong enough to prevent a child from falling out. Vinyl-Lite Window Factory recommends installing a window guard with a quick release function to keep your family safe and secure — inside.
2. The medicine cabinet
The medications and creams you use on a daily basis without thinking twice can be extremely toxic for your children. Do your part to keep the medicine cabinet locked, and keep dangerous pharmaceuticals out of young ones’ reach.
3. Outlets covered with plastic caps
When many new parents think about babyproofing, they think about placing those little plastic covers over all exposed outlets, but new research from the Electrical Safety Foundation has indicated that nearly all children ages two to four were able to remove the covers with ease. The good news is all new homes constructed since 2008 have been fitted with tamper-resistant outlets. (Live in an older home? They’re easy and inexpensive to install.)
4. Cords that dangle from your window blinds
Walk around your home and count the adjustable cords dangling from your window blinds; never realized there were quite that many, right? They seem harmless, right? Far from it. Too many children each year are strangled by these cords. Keep this from happening by making sure cribs, beds and playroom furniture are positioned away from windows. You might even consider installing shades equipped with internal cords, or better yet, Cordless and roller shades.
With common sense and a little due diligence, you can rest assured that your children and loved ones are safe to play, and discover the world from the secure embrace of your home.