25th June 2003
SAFETY MEASURES SAVE LIVES
Accidents happen in seconds, but the effects can last a lifetime, say a UK charity, urging parents to take action now for child safety.
The annual Child Accident Prevention Trust's (CAPT) Child Safety Week is in full swing (23 - 29 June) and experts are encouraging parents to double-check home safety. Although for many children, accidents will only result in a few bruises and scrapes, for others the effects can be devastating. According to estimates, over the next 12 months, nearly 400 children will be killed by accidents. In comparison, there's likely to be about 60 deaths from family abuse and neglect, 20 killings by strangers and 115 deaths from meningitis.
Some of the biggest hazards for young children are accidental falls, burns, scalds and drowning, but by being aware of the dangers and doing as much as possible to prevent accidents, the dangers can be limited. For example, by putting up safety gates at the top of stairs, fitting safety catches on all windows, using the back rings of the cooker when cooking and filling in or fencing off garden ponds.
Carol Sherriff, director of CAPT, said, "It's surprising how many potential hazards are around in the home, particularly for the under fives. By following low cost safety tips you can make your home a safety zone and help keep your children safe."
Where to next?- Chat to other parents on the New parents board
- Get to grips with home safety
- Check out our summer safety tips
- Keep your child safe in the garden
- Visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust
- Fancy a chat? Visit the the Your Shout discussion forum