Most of us probably consider our homes to be safe havens from danger and harm. Unfortunately, many people are injured or killed every year because of hazards in the home. A discouraging number of these tragedies involve children, and the instruments of injury or death are often things parents may not be aware are dangerous. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a bulletin listing the top five such hazards and reminds parents that there are steps we can take to prevent our kids from becoming sad statistics.

The list:

1. Magnets. Magnets have become smaller and more powerful over the years, and many toys and jewelry products contain small magnets. In addition, several building sets with small parts contain magnets. When magnets fall out of these items and are swallowed by children (or when a child swallows a small item still containing the magnet), the risk is more grave than one might expect. Parents and physicians may think that the materials will pass through the child without consequence, but magnets can attract in the body and twist or pinch the intestines, causing holes, blockages, infection, and death, if not treated properly and promptly.

Keep magnets and products containing magnets away from children under age six.

2. Recalled products. It is up to you to stay updated on recalled products that may be present in your home. Always discard or return (according to the recall guidelines) a product that has been recalled, to prevent illness or injury to your loved ones.

To sign up for email alerts on recalled products, visit www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

3. Tip-overs. Heavy furniture, entertainment centers, etc. can fall over on children and seriously injure or kill them.

Ideally, you should have all heavy furniture bolted to the wall or attached firmly to the floor. Don’t leave tempting items like toys or food on top of furniture, bookshelves, tv stands, etc. as this may make a child more likely to climb.

4. Windows and coverings. Drapes and blind cords are strangulation hazards. Additionally, windows present fall hazards, as screens will not prevent even small children from falling through the window.

Parents should use cordless blinds or keep cords and chains permanently out of the reach of children. Consumers should cut looped cords and install a safety tassel at the end of each pull cord or use a tie-down device, and install inner cord stays to prevent strangulation. Never place a child’s crib or playpen within reach of a window blind. [Also,] do not rely on window screens.

5. Pool and Spa drains. Children are not the only ones at risk of injury with pool/spa drains, but they are the most likely to suffer serious injuries or death (drowning). Drains have enough pressure to hold the body in place (especially the small frame of a child), and hair can get snared as well.

Pool and spa owners can consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), which detects when a drain is blocked and automatically shuts off the pool pump or interrupts the water circulation to prevent an entrapment. The CPSC also recommends examining drains before each use of the spa or pool, to make sure that the drains have covers that fit properly, are in place, and are not damaged.

The magnet thing surprised me, I’ll admit, and I thought I was pretty safety-savvy. Let’s all remember that complacency can lead to tragedy, especially where children are concerned.

Posted by Sunshine.