Keep a Watchful Eye on Keiki to Prevent Injuries at Home

This is the third of a three-part series.

Every day in the United States, six children die from an injury sustained in the home, while another 10,000 go to the emergency room for injuries caused by common at-home dangers. 

In Hawaii, traumatic brain injuries related to falls continue to be the top injury young children sustain in the home, followed closely by burns and scalds from common household items such as rice cookers. 

In babies younger than age 1, suffocation continues to be a leading cause of death, particularly in unsafe sleeping environments.

“Every parent wants their children to grow up healthy and strong,” says Lisa Dau, a registered nurse and injury prevention coordinator at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. “There are simple and easy steps that families can take to protect their children.” 

Preventive steps you can take include:

• Learn CPR.
  
  
• Have the phone numbers to the following handy in the event of an emergency:
• Your child’s pediatrician.
• A neighbor or nearby relative.
• Poison control: 1-800-222-1222.
  
  
• Keep a first-aid kit with emergency instructions at the ready.
  
  
• Check smoke alarm batteries every six months, and make sure they are working. Create and practice a fire escape plan, with two ways to get out of every room.
  
  
• Have a fire extinguisher and learn how to properly use it.
   

“The most important thing to remember is supervision,” stresses Dr. Michael Sia, Department of Pediatrics chairman at Kapiolani. 

“Bottom line: Keep your home child-proofed until your child is old enough to understand the hazards you are trying to protect them from,” Sia says. “Watchfulness is your best defense.”

For more information regarding child safety in the home, read Part 1 and Part 2.

Published on: May 7, 2016