Safe Kids Fayette County shares these steps parents and caregivers can take to help reduce these risks:

• Keep hazards out of reach. Store household chemicals, hand sanitizers, medications, alcohol and cosmetic products up high – out of sight and out of reach.
• Install safety products. All those child safety products you bought (cabinet locks, furniture anchors, TV straps) but never installed – now is a GREAT time to get those set up.
• Follow the ABCs of safe sleep. Alone, on back, in crib to meet federal standards. No inclined sleepers or bumper pads.
• Get out of the house. Ride a bike with a properly fitted helmet.
• Practice home fire drills. Change smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector/alarm batteries.
• Store firearms securely and out of reach.
• Keep vehicles locked and keys/fobs out of reach.
• Organize toys. Separate toys by age and keep a sharp eye on small game pieces and button batteries that may be a hazard.
• Eliminate choking hazards. If it can fit in a toilet paper roll, it is too small for kids under age 3.
• Purge old toys. Before selling or giving away, search recalls.gov for unsafe or recalled toys.
• Keep windows out of reach. When opening windows, do not open more than 4 inches and move bed/crib 3 feet away.
• Keep kids busy. Kids who are bored will start to explore. Supervision is of utmost importance.

With COVID-19 creating challenges for our healthcare systems, it is more important than ever to keep safe and out of the hospital.