104 HAWAII PARENT March/April 2024 6. Falls The CDC reports that falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries for children ages 0 to 19. Among the many factors associated with a greater risk of fall-related injury, males tend to fall more than females, and bunk beds pose a greater risk of injury in children. Younger children may fall off of furniture or playground equipment, while older children may fall while playing sports, biking, or engaging in other physical activities. Falling is inevitable, but simple precautions can help prevent serious injury, such as wearing protective gear and staying aware of your surroundings. Remaining alert and keeping a close watch when children are engaged in highrisk activities is paramount in reducing the chances of unintentional injury. Even though most homes have smoke detectors, in many instances they don’t work properly. Taking the time to make sure that all smoke detectors are in good condition is a habit that will pay off huge safety dividends. Most of us never expect to experience a fire, especially in our home, but knowing what to do if and when a fire occurs is as important as taking the steps to prevent one. With this in mind, creating a fire escape plan with the whole family is a smart practice that can improve the outcome in the event of a residential fire. Talking to children about the dangers of playing with fire and what to do in the event of a fire are additional steps caregivers can take to enhance their child’s fire safety understanding. Caregivers must keep a very close eye on children, especially around hot stoves and ovens. “Younger children’s natural curiosity and lack of danger awareness are why they are more likely to be burned by hot liquids and surfaces.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==