SAFE HOME : DO’S & DON’T

Posted On: August 23, 2016

1. Fire

• DON’T  allow children to burn fire-crackers unless an adult is present. Don’t allow children to handle matches or lighters.
• DO teach them the dangers of playing with fire.

2. Hot Fluid 

• DON’T place utensils with hot liquids near the edge of the table. Don’t keep stove handles jutting out within reach of children.
• DO keep all containers of hot fluid out of reach of children.

3. Hot Iron

• DON’T leave a hot iron unattended, with cord hanging. A child may pull it down on top of himself.
• DO switch off and store the iron away with the cord coiled up when you’ve finished ironing.

4. Hot Water 

• DON’T pour hot water into a bucket and leave your child alone with it, even for a minute. He may think it’s ready for his bath, and get fatally scalded as a result.
• DO fill the basin with cold water first, then add in the hot water for mixing into warm bath.

5. Medicine 

• DON’T keep medicine in containers which can be easily uncapped by children. Colorful tablets could be mistaken for sweets.
• DO keep medicine in child proof bottles and containers, and under lock and key.

6. Pest 

• DON’T use pest control chemicals (e.g. mosquito mats), carelessly. A child could be poisoned if he swallows some.
• DO put such chemicals in places away from children’s inquisitive eye.

7. Water

• DON’T let children play near pools, drains, and streams ; they might fall in and drown.
• DO ensure that they are always free of any imminent danger.
• DO give children swimming lessons which will be benefit to them in the long run.

8. Empty Wall Sockets

•  DON’T expose empty wall sockets which your child could tamper with. It is best not to allow them to play near plug points.
• DO put safety caps on all unused electric outlets and switch off when not in use. Cover up any electrical points with heavy furniture to be out of reach of children.

9. Toys

• DON’T give breakable toys (or items made of class or ceramics) to your child. Your child could get badly cut.
• DO give sensible toys that are appropriate to your child’s age.

10. Accident Prevention

• Accident is major cause of injuries and death all over the world. Most are preventable.
• It can be reduced by following rules like child car seat, helmets, speed breakers, window guards.
• Parents must accompany the child till 5 years of age with due precautions to prevent the accidents.

By Dr. Sourabh Agrawal

Designation: Consultant Pediatrician

Qualification: MBBS, MD