Keep Out of Reach of Children: 9 Household Hazards
We’ve all seen the warning written on a product label: “Keep out of reach of children.” And it’s true.
There are things around the home that we should always keep away from kids. A lack of attention to these common household hazards can lead to tragic consequences.
Read on to find out more.
9 household hazards that you should keep out of reach of children
1. Medicines
Where medication is concerned, mistakes can have potentially fatal consequences for little ones.
Although a well-stocked medicine cabinet is a household essential, medication should always be kept well out of children’s reach.
Even older children may decide to take a few pills or a spoonful of syrup because they’ve hurt themselves while playing. Always pay attention to where you store your medication.
2. Toxic products
Toxic products are other common household hazards. If you have a garden and keep weed-killer or fertilizer in stock, or even insecticide for bugs and spiders, keep these under lock and key.
Exposure to these kinds of products can be even worse than medicines. In many cases, there is no treatment for their effects.
Similarly, treat detergents and cleaning products with extreme care. This includes cleaning sprays, polish and bleach.
The best thing for your children is to keep these kinds of products out of reach and securely locked up. Some parents opt to store hazardous chemicals at the top of a cabinet.
However, the risk here is that children are both curious and inventive, and may climb to reach the forbidden items. This puts them at risk of a fall, even if they don’t find what they’re looking for.
3. Knives and other sharp objects
Knives and other sharp objects should also be kept out of reach of children. Having access to sharp objects can be very dangerous. Young children may try to cut something and seriously hurt themselves.
Be aware of this even when you’re at home or in the same room. It’s always best to keep knives and scissors out of reach.
4. Choking hazards
During certain stages of childhood, kids seem to want to put everything they find into their mouth. This is a way of discovering new sensations.
If a small piece of a toy or other household item comes loose, it can become trapped in a child’s airway. Caution with small pieces is essential to avoid the unthinkable.
5. Sockets
Sockets and electricity are major household hazards. Keep plug sockets covered with a cap and don’t leave cables trailing on the floor at home.
Children may try to put small objects into an open socket. This will give them an electric shock and a big scare – or far worse.
“Although a well-stocked medicine cabinet is a household essential, medication should always be kept well out of the reach of children”
6. Tobacco smoke
Tobacco is extremely toxic to children. Exposure to second-hand smoke directly affects their growth and can lead to serious illnesses.
Keep smokers well away from children. If someone in the family smokes, they should go outside to do it.
7. Glass
It’s no surprise that glass can break into sharp pieces. But children may not know to be careful around glass objects.
It’s all too easy to break a glass and then end up with a nasty cut that needs several stitches.
8. Tools
Have you noticed that little ones like to hit and throw their toys? Imagine what would happen if they got hold of heavy, sharp tools.
It’s not a nice thing to think about. For this reason, keep the toolbox well out of reach of children.
9. Phones
This last item should be kept out of children’s reach for your sake as much as theirs. Would you like your smartphone to end up in the toilet? If not, then don’t leave it where your children might pick it up.
As an additional measure against this kind of nasty surprise, it’s also a good idea to leave bathroom doors shut.
As parents, our children’s safety and well-being should always be our top priority. Follow the practical suggestions in this article to save yourself a major headache, or worse.