Must haves for little ones safety

Someone said the door to safety swings on the hinges of common sense. Another person said safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.

We all want our houses to be safe havens, where we grow and equip our children with what it takes to make the best of the world – eventually.

In this regard, we cannot afford to entertain accidents in our homes. We should afford the basics that help avert precarious situations. Make a point of checking your supplies to confirm you have all that is required, says Maureen Ndoge, a Pharmaceutical Technologist at Pharmat Chemist in Westlands, Nairobi. She insists on the following:

Medicine 
Sickness strikes at odd times – even at 3am. But they could be simple ailments that you can treat e.g. minor headaches, stomach-aches, fever, to mention some. The drugs should always be stored and locked up in a medicine cabinet.

Pain relievers are important. And for easy consumption, avail suspensions (liquid drugs) for children under the age of six. A thermometer shall quickly confirm whether your child has a fever.

Antiseptics & Disinfectants 
Antiseptics are ideal for cuts or open wounds. Antiseptics kill bacteria and germs, preventing the wound from becoming septic. Disinfect frequently wet areas such as bathrooms after the general cleaning to help keep the house pathogen free.

Pesticides 
You know these terrorize pests. Depending on the weather, certain rodents and insects tend to infest the house. For example, when it is hot, ants are in plenty. Frogs, slugs and mosquitoes are common in the rainy season. Rats, just about all the time. Bees could just show up. Well, most of these pests are harmful and may be disastrous. The good news is that there is available remedy at the stores for each.

It is important to know the use and the side-effects of each pesticide. Some are toxic and can affect your health. Therefore, always wear a mask and have adequate air supply while spraying your house with pesticide.

Fire extinguisher
This is a fire-fighting device. It is a cylinder vessel packed with content that quenches fire better than water would. It is important to inspect and service it after the recommended period. The kitchen is the first place where you will need a fire extinguisher. Every house should have one to two. If you are a tenant, consider’ asking your landlord for one; or get one for yourself. Place them at different corners of the house that are easily accessible.

Emergency phone number
These give you fast access to help. An experience of not having them in an emergency, would confirm to you just how important these digits are. Fire, thugs, or a child having ingested inedible substances should see you dialing away. Examples of the emergency numbers include that of the National Poisons Boards, the family doctor, the police, fire brigade and those of your close friends.

Cabinet locks 
When a child is learning how to walk or crawl, she will often make her way to every corner of the house. First, always know where she is. Then, for the sake of safety, put baby gates to cordon your child from the staircase, kitchen, bathroom, toilet, store and any other place you deem unsafe.

Baby Gates
Each and every drawer in the house should be locked at all times, because children’s curiosity, which is part of their learning process, sees them touching and eating everything they reach. You don’t want them coming across medicine, insecticides, pesticides, paraffin, and other unmentionables. Depending on their size, some may even go into the drawers. So, drawers, doors and cabinets should be locked at all times.

Air fresheners
It is hygienic and comfortable to be in a clean place with fresh air. This is accomplished when a house is well-ventilated or has its air freshened. Air freshener is used to discharge and counteract awful scents. After, for example, using an insecticide to kill insects, use an air freshener to re-fresh the air because the insecticide may chock you or cause allergies. Use it in hot days to cool off the heat. So, air- freshener doesn’t just fall in the list of luxuries.

Furniture straps
Toddlers, as mentioned, will always try to go somewhere – as long as they are not asleep. Strap them on the seat if you feel you are too preoccupied to keep a ‘hawk’s eye’ on them.

Security
You can use community policing where you and your neighbours watch out for each other. You can as well pay for personalised service.

END: PG 48 /43