There has been an increase in home accidents with kids over the last couple of months, according to early data. More chances for poisonings, drownings, burns and other injuries are happening as families spend extra time at home during COVID-19.
Is your house as child-proof as it needs to be? Also, are you taking the appropriate precautions with your kids while out and about? Below is a safety checklist with items parents and caregivers will want to keep top of mind.
At Your House
- Make sure your children’s play areas are safe by installing gates on staircases and guards on windows.
- Keep cords from blinds tucked away. Be sure any top-heavy furniture and TVs are secured to the wall or floor.
- If you have multiple kids, make sure their toys are separated based on age appropriateness. This includes keeping small game pieces away from younger children.
- Make sure all cleaning products are stored safely and are out of reach.
- Store all medicine and lock them away from children. This includes any daily vitamins you take.
- Make sure young children are within arm’s reach of an adult when in the bathtub, kiddie pool or near any other water-filled items.
- Hot food and beverages should always be kept away from the edge of counters and tables.
Around Cars and Traveling
- Never leave your child alone in a car as it can lead to heatstroke.
- Make sure your child is in a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age and weight. If they don’t need to use either of these items, make sure they are always wearing a seatbelt correctly.
- Go the speed limit and avoid any distractions when driving, particularly in neighborhoods.
- Keep car doors and trunks locked. Keep keys away from children.
- Always walk around your parked car to check for children before driving away.
- Always look both ways twice before crossing the street. Make eye contact with drivers and keep phones put away.
Getting Active Outside
- Have at least one adult watching children of all ages while they are swimming in a pool or in recreational water.
- When biking, skateboarding, rollerblading or using a scooter, be sure children wear an appropriate-fitted helmet.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to continue social distancing from others. This means only closely interacting with those in your household. Avoid large gatherings and stay at least six feet away from others.
- If you are out in a public place wearing a cloth face covering, even outdoors, is a good idea. It is safe for kids two and older to wear them. Also, be sure to disinfect any public equipment like a swing or bench before touching them.
Still have questions about home safety for kids during COVID-19? Schedule a video visit with one of our Bon Secours providers today to learn more.
