Your home certainly doesn’t strike you as a maze of risks, but a surprising number of commonplace items might pose a threat to home safety. You may have your knives securely tucked away from curious toddler hands, but is the dishwasher where you wash all those sharp implements kid-proof?
That’s right; neither was mine. It doesn’t imply you’re a horrible parent or a careless caregiver, so don’t worry; it just means we need to educate ourselves on hidden safety concerns in the house. The top threats I’ve encountered at my home are listed here.
Dishwasher
As I have indicated, dishwashers can make it simple to get at sharp knives (as well as scissors, meat forks, and other objects), but you also need to keep an eye out for detergent access. Many liquid and powder dishwasher detergents are toxic and corrosive if eaten. Keep these items out of young children’s reach at all times.
Hot Tubs and Pools
Pools and hot tubs are dangerous, but I’m not only referring to the possibility of drowning. Because pool chemicals are so dangerous, always keep them locked up. Additionally, inadequately maintained drains can trap hair and endanger small swimmers, while faulty wiring, outdated wiring, and malfunctioning equipment can result in electrocution. Maintain the pool regularly, and keep an eye on your kids at all times.
Barbecues
During the warm months, many Aussies light up their enormous barbecues for a summertime feast, yet few are aware of the dangers these idealized cooking apparatuses provide. There are thousands of barbecue fires per year that cause millions in property damage and untold numbers of injuries. If things do get out of control, make sure to have one of the best fire extinguishers on hand.
Magnets
Do you have any humorous magnets on your refrigerator, such as the cute letters that help children learn to spell? Kids should use caution around these, especially if they still put objects in their mouths. Ingesting magnets can cause major harm to your internal organs in addition to being a choking hazard. (Remember the rare earth magnet recall?)
Corded Blinds
Corded blinds provide a major risk of strangulation to young children, something that makes me cringe to even consider. Kids are resourceful, so simply tying the cables up or hanging them from a high hook won’t do. There are cordless blinds, but they can be expensive. To keep the sun out of certain rooms in our home, we use curtains and a few sliding vertical blinds (no cord, just a firm plastic draw). Buy cord blind safety products to protect your little one.
Extension Cords
Each year, misuse and poor maintenance of extension cords result in an excessive number of injuries and property damages. Never use frayed or faulty cables that are warm to the touch, and never double or triple up cords for length. Children and animals should be kept in sight because chewing on these cords can lead to burns and electrocution.
Hand-Me-Downs
It’s fine to donate clothes and shoes to younger relatives, friends, and family members, but resist the impulse to gift or accept secondhand equipment. Older bouncers, high chairs, and other infant and toddler equipment may not adhere to modern safety regulations. Used carseats, which are never advised to be used, are of particular concern. They’re probably past their expiration date, and if they’ve been exposed to the sun or had even a slight collision, there could be hidden cracks in the seat that make them dangerous.
Balloons
Don’t feel bad if you limit your children’s access to latex balloons. These common birthday decorations are a major contributor to suffocation since kids frequently chew or pop balloons, and the latex can easily stick to their necks and obstruct breathing.