Fire Safety
Create an escape plan to be sure everyone knows how to get out of the house in case of a fire. There should be two ways out of every room. Make sure your child knows what your smoke alarm sounds like. Visit the National Fire Protection Association for more information.
Protect Your Child In or Near Water
A child can drown quickly and silently in a tub, pool, river, lake, canal, or the ocean. Swimming and water safety are important skills for your child to learn. Even if your child has had lessons, he or she is not old enough to be around water unless an adult is within arm's length every minute. If you do not know how to swim, take the time to learn. Learning to swim is fun and great exercise for the whole family.
Put a life jacket on your child whenever he or she is near or on the water. Use a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Choose one that is made for your child's weight. It should have a strap between the legs. Adjust the straps to fit your child snugly. Washington State law requires children under age 13 to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket on boats less than 19 feet.
Lock Up Poisons
Poisons may look like food or drinks. Teach your child to ask an adult before eating or drinking anything you haven't given to him or her.
- Store medicines, vitamins, toothpaste, mouth wash, and household products in original containers and where your child cannot see or reach them.
- Do not store cleaning products, paint, or gasoline in used soda, juice, or milk containers.
If you think your child has been poisoned, stay calm and call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if your child has collapsed, stopped breathing, has trouble breathing, or will not wake up.
Protect Your Child at Home
Your child may seem very grown up now, but does not understand danger or how he or she may hurt him or herself or others. Keep your home safe and watch your child carefully.
- Purses, backpacks, and briefcases often have pills, cough drops, nail files, makeup, pocket knives, or lighters in them. Keep them out of reach.
- Keep screens in front of the fireplace and space heaters.
- Don't allow your child to help cook at the stove. When you cook food outside, keep your child away from the grill or fire.
- Never use a fuel burning heater, stove, or grill in your home or in a tent to provide heat or to cook with.
- Remember, 3½-year-olds still need to be supervised at bath time to prevent drowning and burns from hot water. Most bathtub injuries are due to slips. A non-skid mat in the tub or shower helps prevent falls.