Safety in child care settings should be a top priority. Below are some items and tips ICES suggests.
Providing Care
Safety Tips for Providing Child Care
- Fire extinguishers – conduct yearly checks to ensure the device is properly charged
- Smoke alarms at every floor level – change batteries when time changes
- First Aid kit – conduct monthly checks to ensure the kit is adequately stocked
- TV/furniture anti-tip straps – furniture when pulled can cause serious injury from the weight of a falling object
- Outlet plugs
- Cabinet & drawer locks
- No choke tube – measures toys and other items that present choking hazards – keep those items away from children
- Anti-scalding devices (for faucets)
- Safety gates at stairs (top & bottoms)
- Door knob covers – prevents children from entering off limit areas or leaving unaccompanied
- Corner/edge bumpers
- Oven locks
- Rail nets for stairs, decks, porches
Safety Reminders
- Store medicines out of reach where children
- Keep emergency contact numbers – up date them regularly and keep them readily accessible
- Place furniture away from high windows
- Use window locks to ensure small openings to prevent children falling out
- Do not have window blinds with looped cords
- Avoid toy chest with free-falling heavy lids
- Keep cleaning products out of reach
- Store guns and ammunition in a locked cabinet
- Complete certification in CPR/First Aid
