Everyday Child Safety Hazards You Must Watch Out For

A home is meant to be a haven for its occupants by ensuring their health, safety, and security. Therefore, parents should conduct intentional conscious parenting at all times to ensure their safety and that of their children and pets. One way of achieving this is looking out for and eliminating safety hazards in the house. Here are everyday safety hazards you must watch out for.

1. Internet Hazards

Internet hazards are on the rise primarily due to increased technological advancements. Your children can be victims of cybercrimes by interacting with frauds and other catfish accounts online. Internet crime involves using the internet to communicate false information or fraudulent representations to consumers. Conduct intentional conscious parenting by tracking and telling your children which internet sites to use to avoid internet hazards. Block the sites your children are not allowed to use. Parents, please be proactive in monitoring your child's online activities. It's up to you to keep them safe from online predators. 

2. Fall Hazards

Falls are other safety hazards parents must look out for in their homes. They are common in many households and cause mild to severe injuries. Falls are often caused by exposed cords, loose materials, and water spills. We suggest eliminating falls by fixing hanging cords, stabilizing loose things, and repairing water leakages to prevent spills. Real estate statistics indicate that water leakages and mold growth can reduce a property's value by up to 25%. Preventing falls is necessary for ensuring safety.

3. Fire Hazards

Fire claims thousands of American lives every year, hence the need for a parent to watch out for any fire hazards in their homes. Some of the measures you can take to minimize fire risks in your home include installing smoke detectors and testing your fire alarm regularly. You should also store lighters and matchboxes away from children, blow out candles overnight, and have a fire safety plan in case of fire outbreaks. These measures will go a long way in preventing fire outbreaks in your home and ensure safety in case of a fire.

4. Drowning Hazards

Younger children, particularly those aged between one to four years, are highly susceptible to drowning. That said, parents should watch out for drowning hazards. As a general rule of thumb, parents should supervise younger children when taking a bath, install a fence and a gate around the swimming pool, and keep toilets closed. While these measures may seem insignificant, they are necessary for protecting children against drowning.

5. Poisoning Hazards

Poisoning is a typical safety hazard for children mainly because many household items like cleaning agents, and medical supplies can be poisonous. Fortunately, parental attentiveness can significantly lessen the chances of accidental poisoning in your home. Measures that can help avoid poisoning include storing medications properly away from children's reach, locking up chemicals like detergents and paints, and hiding care products. It would also help to keep items in their original containers to avoid mistaking them for other products. Poisoning can be severe, hence the need to prevent it from happening at all costs. It's a good idea to keep Poison Controls helpline phone number handy. Add the number to your phone contacts or write it on a piece of paper and tape it inside of a kitchen or bathroom cupboard. 

6. Choking Hazards

Chocking is another safety hazard affecting children. Kids can choke from food or other items put in the mouth. Cutting food into smaller chunks for your younger children, learning how to do first aid, and ensuring your child is playing with safe toys are intentional conscious parenting practices that will help protect your children from choking. Also, always watch your children at home or even at eateries because waiters are often busy doing their work. Almost 90% of restaurants have less than 50 employees.

These intentional conscious parenting approaches are relevant for looking out for everyday safety hazards. Start practicing them today to beef up safety and security in your household.

Guest author Devin is a writer and an avid reader. When she isn't lost in a book or writing, she's busy in the kitchen trying to perfect her slow cooker recipes. You can find her poetry published in The Adirondack Review and Cartridge Lit.