Our Helpful Hints
CHILD SAFETY GUIDE
This Guide is to assist you in increasing home safety awareness and increasing alertness to potential problems. To download the information below, please click here.
To quickly access specific safety information, click on the links below.
Safety: Fire, Electrical, Burns
Safety: Poisoning
Safety: Suffocation and Aspiration
Safety: Bodily Injury
Safety: Falls
Infection Control & Universal Precautions in the Home
Safety: Fire, Electrical, Burns
- Guards in front of or around any heating appliance, fireplace or furnace.
- Electrical wires hidden or out of reach. No frayed or broken cords.
- Always use three prong grounding plugs and install properly
- Have an electrician check wiring if the home is over 10 years old.
- Plastic guards or caps over electrical outlets, furniture in front of outlets.
- Hanging tablecloths out of reach and away from open fires.
- Smoke detectors tested and operating properly.
- No smoking when oxygen in use. Display “NO SMOKING SIGNS”
- Have chimneys inspected annually to avoid combustion.
- Matches/lighters stored out of child’s reach: Large, deep ashtrays throughout house (if used).
- Small stoves, heaters, & other hot objects (cigarettes, candles, coffee pots, etc.) placed out of reach.
- Pot handles turned toward back of stove: No loose clothing worn near stove.
- No cooking or heating hot foods or liquids with child nearby or in lap.
- All small appliances, such as irons, turned off and disconnected when not in use.
- Cool, not hot, mist vapor used.
- Fire extinguisher available on each floor and checked periodically.
- Escape plan for fire.
- Telephone number of fire or rescue squad posted near phone.
- Test bath water temperature before placing child in bathtub.
Safety: Poisoning
- Toxic substances placed in locked cabinet. Toxic plants hung or placed on high surfaces.
- Telephone number of local poison control center posted near phone.
- Household cleaners, disinfectants, acrylic nail polish removers, and insecticides kept out of reach.
- Alcohol beverages stored out of reach.
- Medication in child proof containers and out of reach.
- Check medication labels for: Correct Name, Correct Medication, Correct Dose, and Expiration Dates.
Throw away expired medications – DO NOT USE!
Post the Poison Control Number near telephone: 1-800-222-1222
Safety: Suffocation and Aspiration
- Toys inspected for small removable parts or long strings.
- Plastic bags stored away from young child’s reach. Mattresses or pillows not covered with plastic.
- Crib, playpen/walker safety.
- Pillows, blankets, toys removed from crib when young child is sleeping in the crib.
- Small objects stored out of reach.
- Bathroom doors kept closed and toilet seats down: Faucets turned off firmly.
- Pool fenced, with locked gate. Proper safety equipment at poolside.
- Doors of ovens, trunks, dishwashers, refrigerators, & clothes washers and dryers closed at all times.
- Unused appliance, such as refrigerators, securely closed with lock or doors removed.
- Food served in small non-cylindrical pieces to young children.
- Toy chests with lids that securely lock in open position.
- Clothesline above head level.
- Pails, buckets, and wading pools kept empty when not in use.
- Bath water safety.
Safety: Bodily Injury
- Knives, power tools, and unloaded firearms stored safely or placed in locked cabinet.
- Garden tools returned to storage racks after use: Yard clear of broken glass, nails, boards and other litter.
- Pets properly restrained.
- Swings, slides, and other outdoor play equipment in safe condition.
- All doors locked with child-proof latch.
- Sharps containers are stored safely/out of child’s reach.
- Car seat usage/safety.
Safety: Falls
- Exits, halls, and passageways in rooms kept clear of toys or other items.
- Stairs and halls well lit. Nothing stored on stairway. Gates on top and bottom of staircases.
- Glass doors and walls marked with decals.
- Guards on upstairs windows with locks that limit window opening.
- Crib side rails raised to full height; mattress lowered as child grows.
- Seatbelts used in high chairs, walkers and other baby furniture.
- Scatter rugs secured in place or used with non-skid backing or should be removed.
INFECTION CONTROL & UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS IN THE HOME
By using simple methods, you can decrease the chance of spreading germs between the patient and family members.
Hand Washing
Family/caregivers should wash hands before and after patient contact, before meals, after bathroom use and after handling articles. Antibacterial liquid should be used if no running water is available. Gloves are recommended when having contact with blood and any other bodily secretions. Hands should be washed after removal of gloves.
Handling of Equipment
Equipment should be cleaned on a regular basis. Soiled supplies and equipment are to be cleaned immediately.
Waste Disposal
Flushable waste includes stool, urine, blood, and any other patient excretions and secretions. Items heavily contaminated with blood or bodily substances are double bagged in a leak-proof plastic bag, tied securely and discarded with the rest of household garbage. Supplies such as diapers, incontinence pads, dressing supplies, gloves, etc. are to be double bagged in a leak-proof plastic bag, tied securely and placed with household garbage.
Housekeeping Guidelines
Provide an environment that is safe for everyone. Utilize common sense practices. A diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach to each cup water) can be used for cleaning floors, sink, commode, etc. Keep room well ventilated. Cleaning and removal of soiled articles should be done routinely.
Laundry
Machine wash linens and other patient laundry in hot soapy water and, if appropriate add a cup of household bleach. If washing machine is not available, soak soiled linen in hot water containing bleach (1 tablespoon bleach to each cup of water) for 15 to 20 minutes. Dryers are preferred if available.
Pets
Keep pets out of the room while performing any procedure.
