Sean Quinn is a parent and Philadelphia personal injury lawyer advocating for consumer safety. He has recently authored a straightforward guide to making your home safer for children.
As parents, we are instinctively protective over our children. We try to insulate our children and protect them from lurking dangers – predators, bullies, dangerous toys, hazardous activities, etc. Often overlooked are the dangers lurking in our own homes. It may come as a surprise to many parents, but the leading cause of injury to children under the age of 14 is falling.
Each year, there are an estimated 2.3 million fall-related injuries and 100 fall-related deaths suffered by children in the United States. The vast majority of these falls occur inside the home. Parents can help prevent fall-related injuries to their children by following these safety tips:
Furniture Falls and Tip-Overs
- Furniture falls and tip-overs are one of the principle causes of child injury in the home. Parents need to recognize the dangers posed by furniture and take necessary steps to ensure that all furniture in the home is stable and secure. It is recommended that parents use no-tip furniture brackets, braces, anchors, and/or wall straps to secure furniture to wall surfaces.
- Parents should seek to avoid storing remote controls and toys on elevated shelves and the tops of furniture. Children will instinctively climb the furniture to access these items, and put themselves at risk of serious injury.
- Flat screen televisions are prone to tip-over, and must be properly mounted and secured. Parents should make every effort to keep televisions out of the reach of children.
Window Falls
- Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows.
- Keep windows locked and closed when not in use.
- Keep furniture away from windows so kids cannot climb onto window ledges.
- Install window stops so that windows open only a limited distance.
Stair, Deck, and Railing Falls
- Railings, banisters, and handrails should be routinely inspected to ensure that they are sturdy and secure.
- Install safety gates and barriers to prevent children from unsupervised access to stairs, porches, decks, and balconies.
- Keep all stairs and steps free of clutter and well lit to avoid injury.
General Falls
- Use non-slip rugs in bathrooms to prevent children (and adults) from slipping and falling.
- Install bed rails to prevent children from falling out of their beds while sleeping.
- Secure table chairs to prevent children from utilizing them for purposes of getting onto countertops and other elevated heights.
Parents can help keep their children safe by taking such steps in the home. With a proper planning, prudent supervision, and a little luck, your child can live a safe and happy life.
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