Find out how to prevent accidents with children
Credit: Adapting environments to accommodate children prevents accidents (Image: Shutterstock)
During the summer holidays, children use their free time to play and have fun with family and friends. During this time, many tend to travel or stay at home, which increases the need for supervision and assistance to avoid accidents. Both at home and in inns and rented houses, it is essential to verify the conditions for welcoming the little ones.
“It is at this moment, so awaited by children, that parents, family members and health professionals must be even more attentive. It is more common for risks to increase, as children and adolescents will have more free time to explore environments. it is worth undergoing a “fine-toothed comb” operation at home and in other spaces where they will spend their holidays”, underlines Erika Tonelli, specialist in safe and protective environments at Aldeias Infantiles SOS. Afterwards, take a look at some tips to avoid accidents and enjoy this period.
1. Pay attention to stairs and floors
Children should not play near unprotected windows or balconies, which should have bars or safety nets. Caution should be redoubled with slippery floors, slabs and stairs, which offer a high risk of falls. Playing in playgrounds and toys should also be supervised to avoid accidents.
two. connect sockets
To avoid electric shock, all sockets must be covered and protected against contact by children. According to the Statistical Yearbook of Electrical Accidents 2022, published by the Brazilian Association for Awareness of the Dangers of Electricity (Abracopel), 342 children between the ages of 0 and 10 have been fatally injured by electric shocks in the past decade.
3. Use drawer stops
It is essential to add closures to drawers with sharp objects that pose a risk. Furthermore, it is not only the knife that represents a danger: kitchen objects in general, as well as objects such as metal paper clips, pen caps and scissors, for example, can also cause accidents.
4. inspect toys
Toys should be inspected for loose or broken parts with sharp edges or corners. If you find a problem that could lead to an accident or injury, fix it immediately or dispose of it.
5. Keep toxic products away
It is essential to keep medicines, cleaning products, poisons and toxic plants out of the reach of children.
6. fit the house
No matter where the accommodation is located, in a group home or in a hotel room, the safety conditions must be assessed and adapted for the children.
7. Use outdoor safety equipment
When skateboarding, cycling or skating, for example, you must use safety equipment such as a helmet, elbow and knee pads, to avoid the risk of serious injury. In playgrounds, always check the condition of the toys and do not use them if they are broken, rusty or have dangerous surfaces.
8. Keep an eye on pools, lakes and rivers
According to data from Aldeias Infantis SOS, through the Bem Cuidar Institute (IBC), drowning is one of the main causes of hospitalization of children and adolescents. Therefore, do not leave children unattended near swimming pools, rivers or lakes and, when entering the water, use life jackets, as arm floats are not recommended. Also beware of buckets, basins, plastic trays which, even if shallow, can be dangerous.
9. Pay attention to the safety of group activities
In hotels and camps, find out if there is a team of specialized monitors to take care of children, with professionals trained in first aid. In the case of activities that require safety equipment, request their use and pay attention to the condition of the tools.
By Lais Sansoni
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
