Home Safety

Before children are old enough to go to school, they spend the majority of their time in and around their homes. Homes are the place in which young children most often suffer an injury. Injuries may occur due to structures in the home, such as stairs; products found in the home, such as toys with small parts or chemicals; and situations in the home, such as access to boiling water or unsafe sleeping environments.

Young children rely upon parents and caregivers to provide for them, including food, shelter, comfort, play and a safe place in which to grow, learn and experience in. A safe home requires parents and caregivers to investigate their homes for risks as well as provide adequate supervision of children.

Home Safety for Children with Special Needs

Children are naturally curious and learn by hearing, touching, and tasting the things around them. Children however, do not understand that they can be seriously injured by some things in their environment, such as touching a hot stove burner or tasting the cleaning agent that looks and smells like orange juice. Creating a safe home environment is important to ensure children can explore and experience the world around them without risk of injury.

Children with special needs are at an increased risk of home injuries including falls, burns, poisoning, and choking and may require additional safety precautions due to their physical or cognitive abilities. Creating a safe environment for a child with special needs is an important step to ensuring that child’s continued well-being.

Follow the links below to view videos that have been produced by ‘Safe Kids USA’. These videos outline important home safety for families and in particular for families with children with special needs.