Safekids: Simple steps at home can save a lifetime of injury

EVERy DAY in New Zealand an average of 22 children are admitted to hospital because of unintentional injuries.* For young children (birth to 4 years) most of these injuries happen at home.

“Young children are injured more at home because they spend more time there. Injuries range from small bruises to injuries that require surgery or long-term treatment. In serious cases, home injuries may cause death. This is why creating a home environment where kids can grow and learn safely is an important parenting strategy,” said Ann Weaver, Director of Safekids New Zealand.

Driveway run over injuries, for instance, can be avoided by following three important messages: CHECK for children before driving off; SUPERVISE children around vehicles-always; SEPARATE play areas from driveway.

Knowing what to do in case of an injury can also help reduce the severity, for instance the correct FIRST AID treatment for burns: Run water from the cold tap gently over the burn for AT LEAST 20 minutes or until an ambulance arrives.

Participate in the Safekids Campaign and ACC’s Safety Week by following these simple steps you can take to prevent some of the leading causes of injuries at home.


- Falls. Use stair and door gates/ guards; Use safety latches on windows kids can reach; Bunk beds are for older kids; Babies don't need baby walkers and using one can be dangerous; the safest place to change babies is on the floor.
- Poisoning. Remember the SAFE rules: STORE all medicines and chemicals out of children's reach and sight; ASK your pharmacist for safety caps on medicines; FOLLOW the dose instructions from your doctor or pharmacist; and ENSURE you follow safety instructions on medicines, chemicals and cleaners.
- Burns. Hot water burns like fire - Always keep hot drinks out of the reach and away from children; Set your hot water temperature to 50-55° Celsius at the tap; Clothing burns, please make sure your kids are always a meter from the heater; Use smoke alarms.
- Drowning: Drowning is fast and silent. Actively supervise children anywhere near water. Maintain hand contact with babies and stay within sight and reach of young children in the bath; All pools, even portable ones, must have approved fencing; Secure or empty any container in and around the home that can hold water deeper than 40mm.
- Cutting & Piercing. Store sharp and pointed objects (knives, razors and tools) out of sight and reach of children; Use Safety Glass in windows and doors; Remember that ride on mowers are dangerous and are NOT ride on toys.
- Strangulation. Pull cords on curtains and blinds should be kept short and out of reach. Tie up cords or use cleats, cord tidies, clips or ties that are available from shops that sell home safety products.

For more information about keeping kids safe at home, at play and on the road, visit www.safekids.org.nz.

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