Notts: County Council urges parents to think safe and help children avoid accidents this new year

Injuries from falls or scalding from hot drinks or liquids are just two common ways children can be hurt in accidents.

And now the council wants everyone to help ensure children are kept safe from harm.

Peter Kenny, direcotr of public health for Nottinghamshire, saidL “At home, on the road or at school, children are always at risk of harm from accidents.

“Accidental injury is one of the biggest killers of children in the UK

“Indeed, it is second only to cancer.

“Childhood accidents cost the NHS more than£275 million a year.

“Children who survive serious accidents are often left with long-term physical and emotional problems.

“However, I am not suggesting we ‘wrap children in cotton wool’.

“Scrapes and bruises are part of growing up.

“But I don’t think children should die, or be disabled or disfigured, in accidents that can be easily be prevented with a bit of care and attention.”

In order to keep safe over the festive period, Mr Kenny is encouraging everyone to ‘think safe’ by following some simple tips and advice.

He continued: “Teach children safety rules as they can make a difference.

“Use safety devices - your child is less likely to be injured if you use smoke alarms, safety gates, cupboard locks and thermostatic mixer valves (to reduce tap water scalds).

“Anticipate the way your child behaves and develops.

“They will roll, crawl, walk, climb and run, put things in their mouths and be attracted by bright colours.

“Keep one step ahead by making sure dangers are out of reach.

“Prevent falls by changing nappies on the floor and don’t put car seats and bouncing seats on raised surfaces.

“Don’t leave your baby unattended on a raised surface, such as a bed, as they may roll off.

“Use safety gates to prevent falls down stairs.

“Prevent poisoning by storing medicines and household chemicals at or above your eye level, ideally in locked cupboards.

“Always put medicines and household chemicals away straight after using them.

“Prevent scalds and burns by keeping hot drinks out of reach and don’t pass them over babies or young children – they can scald children up to 15 minutes after they are made.

“Fit a thermostatic mixing valve to prevent bath water scalds.

“Teach your child not to climb in the kitchen, and not to touch the cooker or hot objects.

“A trip to the Accident and Emergency Department over the Christmas and New Year period is not my idea of fun.

“So let’s all ‘think safe’ this festive season and have a great time with family and friends.