Expert lists suggestions to avoid risks and enjoy the period without worry
During the summer holidays, children use their free time to play and have fun with family and friends. During this period, many tend to travel or stay at home, which increases the need for supervision and care in order to avoid accidents. Whether at home or in inns and rented houses, checking the conditions for receiving the little ones is fundamental.
“It is at this time, so awaited by children, that parents, family members and caregivers need to be even more attentive. It is more common for risks to increase, as children and adolescents will have more free time to explore the environments. It is worth carrying out a ‘fine-tooth comb operation’ at the house and other spaces where they will enjoy their holidays”, points out Erika Tonelli, specialist in Safe and Protective Environments at Aldeias Infantis SOS. Next, she checks out some tips to avoid accidents and take advantage of this period.
1. Pay attention to stairs and floors
Children must not play near unprotected windows or balconies, which must have bars or security. Attention should be redoubled with slippery floors, slabs and stairs, which offer a high risk of falls. Playing in playgrounds and toys should also be supervised to avoid accidents.
two. plug the sockets
In order to avoid electrical discharges, all outlets must be covered and protected to prevent contact by children. According to the Statistical Yearbook of Electrical Accidents 2022, released by the Brazilian Association for Awareness of the Dangers of Electricity (Abracopel), 342 children aged 0 to 10 years were fatal victims of electric shock in the last decade.
3. Use drawer latches
It is essential to add latches to drawers with sharp objects that pose a risk. In addition, it is not just the knife that poses a danger: kitchen items in general, as well as objects such as metal clips, pen caps and scissors, for example, can also cause accidents.
4. inspect the toys
You toys must be inspected for loose or broken parts with sharp edges or edges. If you find a problem that could cause an accident or injury, fix it immediately or dispose of it.
5. Keep toxic products away
It is essential to keep medicines, cleaning products, poisons and toxic plants out of the reach of children.
6. adapt the house
No matter where the accommodation is, at the home of relatives or in the hotel room, the security conditions must be evaluated and adapted to the children.
7. Use outdoor safety equipment
When skateboarding, cycling or rollerblading, for example, it is necessary to use safety equipment such as a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads, to avoid the risk of serious injuries. In playgrounds, always check the condition of toys and do not use them if they are broken, rusty or have dangerous surfaces.
8. Keep an eye out for pools, lakes and rivers
According to data from Aldeias Infantis SOS, through the Bem Cuidar Institute (IBC), drowning is one of the main causes of hospitalization of children and teenagers. Therefore, do not leave children alone near pools, rivers or lakes and, when entering the water, use life jackets, as arm floats are not recommended. Also be aware of buckets, basins, plastic pools, which, even when shallow, can be dangerous.
9. Pay attention to the safety of group activities
In hotels and colonies, find out if there is a team of specialized monitors to take care of children, with professionals trained in first aid. In case of activities that need safety equipment, demand that they be used and pay attention to the conditions of the instruments.
By Lais Sansoni
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.