Child safety: all it takes is one time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  This is the year of the Air Force family. What better time than now for taking a moment to make sure Team Sheppard's homes are safe for all family members?

Home and child safety is this week's focus for the Critical Days of Summer Campaign.

It may be hard to know where to start when making sure a home is child-safe, but Team Sheppard has experts to help families know where to start.

Barbara Kernott, 82nd Medical Group registered nurse for new parent support, said there are several places parents should start.

"For the homes with string-drawn blinds on the windows, it is important not to tie the blinds in a 'U' shape or in a loop type knot," Ms. Kernott said. "When blinds are tied, it poses a possible strangling factor for young children. One way to avoid this hazard is to be aware of how close a child or the crib is in reference to the window. There are also single string blinds that can be hung in windows instead."

Ms. Kernott said cabinets within the home also pose major safety hazards for young children.

"When it comes to doors of the home that have knobs, there are knob covers to detour children," she said. "These products work because they require a hand large enough to grasp both sides of the plastic cover. There are also locks for cabinets. Cabinet locks are a great way to keep children out of chemicals and medicines that may be stored. Local stores carry these types of child-proof locks, but if there aren't any available then something like a zip tie, which can be cut and replaced, will work."

Although there are locks to prevent children from getting into cabinets and drawers, there are other safety precautions a family can take to keep children out of chemicals and medicines.

"I knew one family that would take any medications, vitamins and over-the-counter medicines, and put them into a lock box," she said. "It is important to remember that even a daily vitamin is a form of medication. When a child has a daily vitamin they take, parents should educate them that it is only okay to take it when their mother or father gives it to them."

She said if a parent suspects that a child has overdosed on any type of medication, chemical or vitamin the parent should contact poison control or take the child to the emergency room immediately.

Mike Jett, 82nd Training Wing weapons safety manager, said it is important to educate children who are exploring their yard about insects that may be harmful.

"Insects such as fire ants and wasps can be very harmful for children especially if they are allergic," he said. "If you show a child what an ant hill or wasp nest looks like, it will help teach them to stay away and call someone for help.

"It is important to take a sweep of the yard that a child commonly plays in. If a parent finds insects that pose a danger to their child then they should contact an exterminator or look on the internet for sources to exterminate the problem."

Many families keep chemicals and fluids for their cars or various tools for yard work, in the garage or out in a shed, which is a good place to keep them said Mr. Jett.

"If a family is keeping these chemicals in places such as these, it is very important the shed or garage is locked and a child does not have access to it," he said.

Ms. Kernott said the most important thing to remember about children is they all develop differently and independently.

"It is the child's job to explore the world around them," she said. "It is the responsibility of the parents and older family members to make sure that they do it safely. All it takes is one time. Often times, one is too many. Don't become too lax in your environment."