How to keep your home safe when you're all stuck inside

In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:

1. How do I childproof my home?
2. Who can give quick poisoning safety advice?
3. What are other pitfalls?

You’ve prepared your family for a lengthy crisis that calls for staying at home, safe from outside threats. Everyone must do their best to work, study and play together while shut in during an indefinite stretch.

However, hazards could lurk inside too, so it’s best to keep a vigilant eye on cleaning supplies, medicines and toys, says Kathy Wall, program director of Safe Kids Palm Beach County. 

1. HOW DO I CHILDPROOF MY HOME?

Walk through your home with other adults to look at each area through the lens of child safety, Wall advises. 

“Young kids are often eye level with cleaning items on tables and under the kitchen and bathroom sinks,” she says. “Remember to keep these products in their original containers with labels and stored out of children’s reach and sight. If you can’t eat or drink it, don’t place it in the refrigerator.”

Inspect your rooms for these items:

KITCHEN

• Ammonia
• Cleaners for oven, drain, surfaces, dishes
• Detergents
• Furniture polish
• Medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements
• Alcoholic beverages
• Plants

BATHROOM
• Air fresheners
• Cleaners for toilet bowl, sink, shower
• Cologne and perfume
• Hair remover
• Personal-care products
• First-aid products
• Medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements
• Mouthwash
• Nail polish, polish remover
• Rubbing alcohol
• Shaving cream, after-shave lotion

LAUNDRY ROOM

• Detergents
• Bleach
• Fabric softeners

2. WHO CAN GIVE QUICK POISONING ADVICE?

Poisoning is a leading cause of death by injury in Florida, according to Florida’s Poison Control Centers. You can help prevent more tragedies by texting POISON to 797979 to add Poison Control as a contact in your phone.

PoisonHelp.org offers an interactive tool to determine what to do if your child encounters potentially toxic products, poisons or medications. Or, chat live with professionals via webPOISONCONTROL to decide if you should call Poison Control or rush to an emergency room.

Call 911 immediately if your child collapses, suffers a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened.

A lick of hand sanitizer is not fatal to a child, but call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if your child drinks it. It contains alcohol, so it should be securely stored out of sight and reach like other potential poisons.

3. WHAT ARE OTHER PITFALLS?

So you’ve secured your medications in the bathroom and kitchen, but what about other places?

“Curious kids can easily get into medicine and vitamins in purses and on counters and nightstands,” Wall says.

She also advises that you turn on the lights to read labels before giving any medicine to your child. Visit Safe Kids Worldwide for more information on medication safety.

Separate toys by age. If your children are young, keep a close eye on small game pieces, magnets and button batteries, Wall says. Demonstrate and supervise safe play with your kids. Visit The Toy Association for more tips.  

SOURCES:

• Kathy Wall, program director, Safe Kids Palm Beach County
• Florida’s Poison Control Centers