Kidsafe Australia

Kidsafe Australia

Our homes are often places that we feel safe and secure, however, did you know that they are the most common location where childhood injuries occur?

As we all try to keep warm through the last of the long, cold winter months and look forward to the brighter colours and sounds of spring, Kidsafe have provided their top 6 tips to help you keep your family safe. 

#1 REDUCE THE RISK OF BURNS AND SCALDS

Winter is a time when there is a significantly increased risk of burns and scalds. For children, the most common causes include hot drinks, food and and water.

It may be surprising, however, treadmills and vehicle exhausts are also common causes of burn and scald injuries for children, along with appliances such as irons and hair straighteners.

Kidsafe have developed a free Burns Safety Checklist with practical tips to help you identify and reduce the risks posed by a range of common household burn and scald hazards.

If a burn does occur, it is important to remember to:

  • Remove – remove yourself from danger. Remove any clothing and jewellery from the burn area unless well stuck to the skin
  • Cool – place the burn under cool running water for twenty minutes. Never use items like ice, oil or butter on a burn as these can make it worse
  • Cover the burn with a clean dressing
  • Seek medical attention if the burn or scald is on the face, hands, feet, genitals or buttocks, is larger than a 20-cent coin or blistered.

For more information about the prevention and correct first aid treatment of minor burns and scalds, please visit: https://kidsafe.com.au/national-burns-awareness-month/ 

#2 INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS AND CHECK THEM REGULARLY

Smoke alarms are legally required for most residences in Australia. Only working smoke alarms save lives, so it’s important to ensure that you regularly check and maintain yours to ensure that they are in proper working order. This includes:

  • Testing it monthly by pushing the test button to make sure it beeps
  • Changing the batteries every year
  • Cleaning your smoke alarm with a vacuum cleaner at least once a year – this helps to remove particles that will affect smoke alarm performance
  • Changing it to a new unit (If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old) with a lithium battery with a 10 year lifespan

Interconnected smoke alarms can help to alert you sooner in case of a fire as when one alarm is activated, all of the smoke alarms in your home will sound.

To learn more about smoke alarms, please visit the website of your local State/Territory fire service.

#3 SERVICE YOUR GAS AND FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCES

Do you know when your heater was last serviced by a professional? If you don’t know, then chances are it was too long ago.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a hidden danger that many people are unaware of. It is a toxic gas with fumes that are impossible to see, smell or taste, which is why it is often referred to as the silent killer.

Any appliances that use gas, oil, kerosene, wood, coal, or charcoal can produce carbon monoxide. It’s recommended that all gas and fuel-burning appliances are serviced every 1-2 years by a qualified gasfitter – if you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time to book in your service.

It’s also important to remember that outdoor gas or fuel-burning appliances should never be brought inside your home, tent or caravan.

For more information on gas and fuel burning appliance safety and carbon monoxide poisoning, please visit: www.chaseandtyler.org.au

#4 ENSURE YOUR TELEVISION AND FURNITURE ARE NOT TOPPLE HAZARDS

Whether you have some new furniture that you have just set up or some furniture that you have had for years, it’s important to take a look around your home for items that could pose potential toppling hazards. Below are some practical things that you can do to help reduce the risk in your home:

  • Secure any furniture such as bookcases and chest of draws to the wall or floor. It might seem like a hassle or damaging your wall, but no wall is more precious than the life of a child.
  • Put locking devices on drawers to prevent children opening them and using them as steps.
  • Don’t leave items such as bottles, toys or remote controls on top of furniture that may tempt young children to climb up to reach them.
  • Only place a TV on a piece of furniture that is designed to hold its size and weight.
  • Strap TV’s to the stand or secure them to a wall.

For more information about preventing TV and furniture tip overs, please visit: https://www.kidsafevic.com.au/home-safety/tv-and-furniture-tip-overs/

#5 SECURE CURTAIN AND BLIND CORDS

Loose curtain and blind cords, particularly those with loops, pose a significant strangulation hazard for children as they can place the loop over their head and/or become tangled in the loose cords.

Whether you live with children, or may have an unexpected little one visiting one day, here are some steps you can take to help ensure that your curtain and blind cords are safe: 

  • Check each room of your home for any loose or looped curtain and blind cords, and secure them out of reach of children – at least 1.6m above floor level – with cleats or cord tensioning devices. These can be purchased from your local hardware store or curtain and blind cord retailer.
  • Check that items of furniture such as cots, beds and high chairs are kept away from windows where children can reach the curtain or blind cords.

For more information on curtain and blind cord safety, please visit: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/home-living/home-furnishings/blinds-curtains 

#6 STORE POISONS OUT OF REACH

If you plan on doing some spring cleaning around your home, it’s a good time to go through your cupboards and ensure that any potentially poisonous products are stored up high in a locked cupboard, out of the sight and reach of children.

Common poisonous items found in and around our homes include medicines (both prescription medicines and over the counter products such as everyday paracetamol), cleaning products, dishwasher powder/liquid, bleaches, fertilisers and pesticides, swimming pool and spa chemicals and cosmetics.

If you find some expired or unwanted medicines when doing your cleanout, you can safely dispose of these through the Return of Unwanted Medicines Project.

These are just a few tips to help you create a safer home environment for your little ones. For more information on preventing childhood injuries in and around your home, please visit www.kidsafe.com.au 

 

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