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Falls
The
most common sites for falls are: coffee tables, fireplaces, open
windows, stairs and furniture (unstable or top heavy bookcases,
dressers, and TV stands). Samples of safety products in your kit
can include corner cushions, anti-tip brackets, and window and door
locks. Bring along a rulerto illustrate the 10 cm (4 in) maximum
width that windows should be left open to prevent falls.
Poisonings
Did
you know that more than half of all poisonings happen while products
are being used? Include in your kit examples of common medications
and cleaners, along with non-toxic 'look alikes' like apple juice,
gum, and candy.
Children
cannot read labels. They also like to imitate their parents or caregivers.
By seeing cleaners and medications from the eyes of a child, adults
can learn how easily their children might drink or eat something
poisonous. Include poison control numbers and first aid information
cards for quick reference. These and other poison prevention brochures
are available from the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre in
Vancouver. Tel: 682-2344 ext. 2126
Scalds
Hot
water burns like fire. The standard pre-set temperature of most
household hot water tanks is 60°C (140°F), which is enough
to burn through the skin of a young child and cause permanent scarring.
Include a meat thermometer in your kit. As part of your home visit
or presentation, fill a mug with hot tap water and dip in the thermometer
to test the temperature. A safe household hot water temperature
is 49°C (120°F). If their hot water is set too high, encourage
parents to turn down the thermostat on their tanks. Visit Safe Start's
'Hot
Water Burns Like Fire' page or www.safekidscanada.ca
for handouts that can be printed directly from your computer.
Choking
In
2002, ear, nose and throat specialists at B.C.'s Children's Hospital
published a list of common choking hazards seen in their clinics.
Most food-related incidents treated involved popcorn, grapes, carrots
and nuts. Non-food hazards included coins, nails and screws, small
toy pieces, buttons and earrings. Add a 35 mm film canister or toilet
paper tube to your kit. Drop a few of the above items into the canister/tube.
Items that fit are likely to be choking hazards and should be kept
out of reach. Always remind parents to grate food before serving
and cut grapes in half, especially for children under age three.
Parents should not give popcorn to children under four years of
age.
Second-hand
products
Remind
parents that many products designed for children are not required
to meet mandatory safety standards. As well, there are thousands
of recalls affecting toys, furniture, playpens, strollers and infant
swings/entertainment centres. More than 150 models of child car
seats are unsafe or have been recalled. For a list of these, visit
www.bcaa.com
Reinforce
your message with copies of Safe Start's free publication Tips For
Second-Hand Products and Hand-me-Downs.
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