June is recognized as National Safety Month, an initiative led by the National Safety Council to highlight key areas where injury prevention can save lives. For families, this is a timely opportunity to review household practices and routines to ensure children and adults alike are protected—both at home and in the community.
Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death and emergency room visits, especially for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 9.2 million children annually visit emergency departments for unintentional injuries, many of which are preventable.
Home Safety: Creating a Safer Living Space
Home should be a place of safety—but it’s also where many accidents happen. Here are actionable tips to improve safety around the house:
Install and Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
-
Place alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
-
Test monthly and change batteries twice a year (a great reminder is Daylight Saving Time).
Prevent Falls
-
Secure area rugs and use non-slip mats in bathrooms and showers.
-
Install safety gates for toddlers at stairways.
-
Keep stairs and walkways clear of toys and clutter.
Anchor Furniture and Electronics
-
Use anti-tip kits to secure dressers, bookshelves, and TVs—especially in children’s rooms.
-
These simple additions prevent dangerous tip-over injuries.
Store Medications and Cleaning Supplies Safely
-
Keep all toxic substances in locked cabinets or out of reach of young children.
-
Use child-proof latches and store items in original containers with labels.
Outdoor and Recreational Safety
Warmer months mean more time outdoors. While encouraging activity is healthy, families must also take preventive steps:
Bike and Scooter Safety
-
Ensure kids always wear properly fitted helmets while biking, skating, or scootering.
-
Replace helmets after major impacts and check straps and fit frequently.
Sun and Heat Protection
-
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours.
-
Dress children in lightweight, protective clothing and provide frequent water breaks.
Playground Safety
-
Inspect backyard and public playgrounds for hazards such as broken equipment or exposed nails.
-
Supervise children at all times and encourage them to take turns and play respectfully.
Water Safety: Reducing Drowning Risk
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1–4, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. To reduce risk:
-
Always supervise children near water—no exceptions.
-
Install fences at least four feet high around home pools with self-latching gates.
-
Enroll children in age-appropriate swimming lessons and consider CPR certification for all caregivers.
Digital and Emergency Preparedness
In the modern world, safety also means being prepared digitally and knowing what to do in emergencies:
Create and Practice an Emergency Plan
-
Have a family fire escape plan and designate safe meeting spots.
-
Keep emergency contacts posted on the refrigerator and saved in smartphones.
Use Safety Apps
-
Explore apps that offer first aid guidance, weather alerts, and location sharing to stay informed and prepared.
Hard Takeaways for Families
✅ Perform a monthly home safety checklist
✅ Establish rules for outdoor play and vehicle safety
✅ Create and practice fire and emergency plans
✅ Supervise water activities without distractions (put down phones)
✅ Keep emergency supplies stocked: flashlights, first aid kit, batteries, and a list of medications
Citation:
National Safety Council. (n.d.). National Safety Month. Retrieved from https://www.nsc.org/workplace/national-safety-month
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Child Injury Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/safechild
Disclaimer: Always consult your healthcare provider or safety professionals for personalized advice related to your family’s health and home safety practices.
Pingback: Preventing Falls & Keeping Older Family Members Safe - Newsymom