Top 10 Safety Devices That You Definitely Need In Your Home In 2023
Every year, research shows that about 2-1/2 million children get injured or killed by hazards in their houses. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child safety devices on the market today.
Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. While there is no device that is completely foolproof, it is still a great measure to take in order to keep your loved ones secured at home. Here are some child safety devices that can help prevent many injuries to young children.
#1 Safety Latches
Strong locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects.
Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should still be locked away and out of reach.
#2 Safety Gates
Help keep children away from stairs or rooms that have hazards in them by using safety gates at an opening in your house.
Opt for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall are more secure than pressure gates. If you already own one, be sure it doesn't have "V'' shapes that are large enough for a child's head and neck to fit into.
#3 Doorknob Covers
Specifically, door locks can help keep children away from places with hazards, including swimming pools.
Be sure the doorknob cover is sturdy enough not to break but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting access to potentially hazardous rooms in the home, doorknob covers could help prevent many kinds of injuries. To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high out of reach of young children. Locks should be used in addition to fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with locks that must be re-secured after each use, are often not an effective barrier to pools.
#4 Anti-Scald Devices
Consider using anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads in order to regulate water temperature and help prevent burns.
As this may be a little pricey, you may need a professional plumber to help you with the installation process. One tip if you couldn’t afford it is to make sure that your water heater temperature is always set to less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.
#5 Smoke Detectors
These are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries.
(Image credits to Wawanesa Insurance)
Check smoke detectors once a month to make sure they're working. If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries at least once a year or consider using 10-year batteries.
#6 Window Safety Netting
For balconies and decks, installing safety netting around the frame can help prevent serious falls or injuries.
Make sure to check these safety devices frequently to confirm that they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than four inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows.
#7 Corner Covers
These soft bumpers are best used with furniture and open stairs to help prevent injuries from falls or to soften falls against sharp or rough edges.
Be sure to look for bumpers that stay securely on furniture or sharp corners.
#8 Outlet Covers
Outlet covers are specifically designed to help protect people from electrical shock and possible electrocution.
Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot pick on them.
#9 Window Blind Cord Safety Tassels
Safety tassels on miniblinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of wires.
For older miniblinds, cut the card loop, remove the buckle, and put safety tassels on each cord. Be sure that older vertical blinds and drapery cords have tension or tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. It is better to always ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation when buying new miniblinds, verticals, or any draperies.
#10 Door Stops
Using door stops or doors on doors and their hinges can help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed by accident.
Be sure any safety device for doors is easy to use and is not likely to break into small parts, which could be a choking hazard for young children.
Maintaining safety at home is something that cannot be accomplished by a single person but needs participation from everyone. There are various aspects that need to be looked into to ensure that home is a safe place for all the members, especially little children. Safety features like smoke alarms, lockable cupboards for firearm safety, and keeping hazards out of the way to ensure the health and safety of your family is imperative. Likewise, having safety rules at home is another way through which all the occupants at home are able to ensure that safety is maintained.
Want to read more? Check out some of the best trendy baby names in Malaysia and what you really need in your diaper bag.