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Keeping Children Safe
If you are a mother or father, then you know that being a parent is one of the most
rewarding jobs you will ever experience. And, you also know that parenting can be one of
the most challenging of occupations. When you become a parent, you become responsible for
the welfare of another person... a human being who will need your care, guidance and
protection throughout childhood and into adulthood. Like most parents, you would do
anything humanly possible to protect your child from harm.
"No one can be prepared for everything," says Michael Gilchrist, M.D., Chief of
Pediatrics at Lowell General Hospital. "But, there are many dangers that can be
avoided. This is especially true when dealing with young children." In fact, many of
the accidents that injure or kill young children are preventable. These include the
somewhat typical injuries from falls, bike riding, skateboarding, ice-skating and
swimming, as well as the perhaps more unusual causes such as drowning, poisoning and
burns. "Families who practice prevention can reduce or prevent many of the major
causes of accidental injury and death to children," insists Dr. Gilchrist.
"Adopting certain safety habits will help to ensure the well-being of the entire
family."
Avoiding Falls... Falls are a concern even before a child is mobile. Infants who are not
secured properly can fall from beds, changing tables, counters, etc. As all parents know,
most toddlers are tempted by stairways and windows. Access to such areas should always be
blocked by gates and railings. In the yard or playground, children are bound to fall from
swingsets, slides and climbing apparatus. To prevent injury, all play equipment should
meet safety standards and the surfaces under such equipment should consist of a substance
that will absorb the impact of a fall.
Bike safety... It is almost impossible to learn to ride a bike without acquiring minor
injuries. However, bumps and bruises are nothing compared to the traumatic injury that can
result from a more serious bike accident. Severe injuries to the head are of primary
concern when dealing with children and bike safety. Such injuries can be devastating, but
many are easily avoided by the use of a safety helmet. Children should wear a safety
helmet whenever they ride a bicycle. In addition, a bike should be the right size for the
rider. It is easy for children to lose control of a bike that is too big or small for
them.
Car injuries... Injuries from car accidents are the number one cause of death in small
children. No matter what their age, children should always be secured when riding in a
automobile. This means using car seats for infants and toddlers, as well as seat belts for
older children. Being aware of car safety, doesn't end when you get out of the car.
Youngsters are also in danger of being hit by automobiles and should not be allowed to
play alone by the roadside or in the driveway. In addition, extra precautions should
always be taken when backing a car out of the driveway to make sure a small child is not
hidden from view.
Poisonings... Typical household items can cause severe trauma or death if ingested by a
child. Many cleaning fluids, medicines and bath products are potential killers. Most of
these items are available with childproof caps. However, it is best to keep them out of
the sight and reach of children. Safety locks should be installed in all cabinets and
doors to deny children access to areas containing poisonous materials. Keep the poison
control phone number next to your telephone in case of an emergency.
Water hazards.... It doesn't take a lake, pond or pool. A child can drown in a puddle of
water. Parents must never leave their children unattended in the tub or near water of any
kind, including puddles, sinks or buckets. Whether a child can swim or not, they should be
monitored when near the water and never permitted to swim alone. It can be wise to teach a
child to swim at an early age, of course, but the lessons must be coupled with a healthy
respect for the water.
Fire safety... A major burn can happen quickly, without much warning. It only takes a
moment of contact with an open flame for a child's clothing to ignite. Parents should keep
matches away from young children, as well as all flammable materials.
As intrigued as a child may be by the look of fire, when faced with its heat and
intensity, they often want to run and hide. Many children die as a result of trying to
escape a fire by hiding in a closet or under a bed. Families should have an escape plan in
case of a house fire. The plan should be practiced regularly by children and adults alike.
The plan should include a meeting place outside the house where family members can find
each other in the event they are separated during evacuation of the home.
Like most parents, you want to create a home that is a safe haven for your children. You
want to protect them from all pain and suffering. Although it is virtually impossible to
protect your children from everything, by practicing prevention and avoiding certain
dangers, you can make their world a safer place.
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