ELECTRICAL BURNS AND SHOCKS
These are becoming more frequent with use of power tools and
appliances in profusion. As already noted, promptly replace worn cords, cover
exposed wires, and replace faulty equipment. Protect children by shielding
electrical outlets. Ground all electrical equipment with ground fault devices.
Under no circumstances use electrical products outdoors when grass or earth is
damp unless the equipment has been specifically designed and approved for such
use.
SPECIAL HAZARDS-ROOM BY ROOM
Fires, falls, and
electrical burns and shocks are the chief dangers but there are many others to
watch for. Each room has its special hazards. For example: KITCHEN. Keep sharp
knives, lye, ammonia, acids, insect and rodent poisons, and every other caustic
or poisonous substance out of children's reach. All, especially lye, have
killed or seriously injured a great many children. Keep the children out of the
kitchen except when they are being watched. During food preparation, you need
light to prevent accidental cuts. Asbestos pads, tongs, and large holders for
hot pots and pans can prevent burns and scalds. Be careful with hot fat or
grease.
If fire occurs, do
not pour on water because water will spatter the fire, use sand, dirt or ashes,
if available, to put the fire out. Small fires can be extinguished by pouring
salt or baking soda on them, or they may be smothered with heavy wet clothes or
asbestos pads. If the amount of fat on fire is large and the flames high, pull
all inflammable material away and guard against spread of the fire by pouring
water over the areas the flames threaten to reach. Have your gas range and
electric refrigerator checked once a year. This service is sometimes provided
free by a utility company.
BATHROOM
A rubber mat can
prevent slips in the tub. Have good lighting. Soap needs a sturdy holder. Never
place electric equipment of any type, especially electric heaters, in the
bathroom where they may fall into the tub. The safest rule is to warm the
bathroom with the electric heater first, then disconnect the heater while the
baby or anyone else is in the tub. Do not touch an electric socket, switch, or
appliance while standing in the water; you can be electrocuted, since water
helps current flow through the body. Keep all medical supplies where children
cannot reach them.
