Information center: Child Safety Around the Home
The Yard
- Store tools, garden and lawn-care equipment and supplies in a locked closet or shed.
- Don't use a power mower to cut the lawn when young children are around.
- Don't allow children to play on a treated lawn for at least 48 hours following an application of a fertilizer or a pesticide.
- Know the types of trees on the property in the event children ingest berries, leaves, or other plant life.
- If you have a swimming pool, install a fence (with an automatic childproof gate) that separates the house from the pool.
- When you barbecue outdoors, never leave kids unattended around the grill.
- Store propane grills where children cannot reach the knobs.
Safety in Public Areas
- Teach your children their phone number, 911 & their street address.
- Know where your children are at all times.
- Teach your children they have a right to say no to anything that may be unsafe or inappropriate.
- If something is wrong it's ok to tell their parents or a responsible adult.
- Never leave your baby unattended in a shopping cart.
- Teach your children never to go into a public restroom alone.
- Teach your children never to open the door to a stranger when home alone.
- Teach your children never to tell strangers on the phone that they are home alone.
- Keep a written description of your child (Hair Color, Height, Weight, etc).
- Have access to dental records.
- Have access to all medical records.
- Have current photos on fingerprint sheet.
Disaster Preperation
In the event of a major disaster, studies have shown that it may be up to 72 hours before services, help and shelters become available. Both the American Red Cross and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommend that you have a Disaster Supply Kit.
These kits are designed to sustain you for the 72 hours following a major disaster. They include food and water rations that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and have a 5-year shelf life, thermal space blanket, snap light-stick, body warmer, whistle, hygiene supplies, first aid supplies, Readers Digest First Aid manual, and an Emergency Preparedness guide. The ones we recommend are packaged in a nylon, padded carrying case or back pack and are set up for you to "grab and go" in the event of a disaster.
The following recommendation is taken directly from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency):
"Disasters" happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. A highway spill or hazardous material could mean evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones-for days. After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives? Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supply Kit. Once a disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement. Prepare Your Kit.
Resources for Child Safety Around the Home
To find outlet covers, cord shorteners, cabinet latches, and toilet-lid locks, check with your local hardware store.
For information about lead poisoning, read the "Lead Hazard Information" pamphlet from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
