Child Safety
It is the responsibility of adults to work out what might hurt a child, and to work out how to keep young children safe. There is a set of steps that you can follow in order to best protect a child.
Change the hazard so that it is not so dangerous
· Many children are hurt when they fall off bunk beds. Put the top-level bed down onto the floor so you have two low beds.
· Lie your ladder down on the ground (it can be a fun car, or bus).
· Make the child's outside play area a long way from where the car goes.
Block access to the danger
· Put medicines and cleaning chemicals into a locked cupboard, and take the key out (or use a 'child-proof' cupboard). · Always take the keys out of the car
Always do things the safe way yourself
Children learn from what you do! For example: This is particularly important with driving the car. Teenagers' way of driving is strongly influenced by the way their parents drive.
Help them learn skills so that they do things the right way
· For example: If you have a tree that 'needs' to be climbed, help them learn how to climb down again.
· Help them learn how to use a knife safely
Teach them by telling them what to do, and what not to do
Even though small children cannot understand all you say, eventually they will learn to control their own behaviour, eg talk to them about stopping at the traffic lights, pushing the button, going when the walk sign turns green.
However, even if small children can tell you all the steps, you still have to be in control.
Finally, if they are doing something you think is dangerous, stop it Pick them up and put them somewhere safe (you are the responsible adult) If they are too far away, shout something very simple, very loudly, like STOP!!! Don't say any more words - you need them to concentrate on stopping.
· Have emergency phone numbers near the phone
· Police, ambulance, fire (in Australia dial 000)
· Your doctor
· Poisons Information 13 11 26 (in all parts of Australia)
· Have a first aid kit in the house and car.
· Install an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker in your fuse box.
· Install smoke-detectors.
· Check that homes you visit with your child are safe.
· Do a first aid course which includes emergency resuscitation, so that you will know what to do
Install the : ESSENTIAL HOME SAFETY FINISH PRODUCT Your House Number The Solar Powered DS 603.