Posted in:

Common Safety Hazards for Children in the Home

Being a parent is one of the greatest feelings, especially if you are experiencing this for the first time. However, as the fathers behind TouchNot can tell you, life gets stressful when your kid begins to crawl around and it’s even worse when they begin to walk. Born with curiosity, they are eager to learn through exploring their environment. 

Oftentimes, they use all their senses, seeing, tasting, listening, smelling, and touching. While this mode of learning can be effective, it also comes with zero sense of danger. That’s why creating hazard hazard-free environment at home for them is vital. It’s for this exact reason that Mordecai and Emmanuel Raji developed TouchNot. 

What is TouchNot?

TouchNot is a safety tool for kids that teaches them to avoid risky behavior and notifies adults when their kids are in potential danger. It also prevents children from handling dangerous home appliances or expensive objects. Using TouchNot is as easy as 123… You simply need to attach it to items or zones that you would like your kids to avoid. When your kid attempts to touch these items or approach these danger zones, the gadget will produce a loud alarm. 

Common safety hazards for children playing in the home

1. Falls 

While still young, kids are prone to falling, especially if they are still struggling to walk. Some still continue to stumble and fall even after they have mastered walking. While some falls are harmless, they can sometimes lead to injuries. Unprotected staircases, slippery floors, and unsecured furniture pose significant risks. To alleviate these risks, consider the following steps:

  • To stop heavy furniture from toppling over, anchor it to the wall.
  • Use window guards or safety netting to prevent falls from windows.
  • Secure area rugs and carpets with non-slip backing.
  • Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

2. Burns and scalds 

Kids are prone to getting scalded and burnt due to their tendency to touch or pull items within their reach. As such, ensure flames, hot liquids, and hot surfaces are beyond their reach. Everyday appliances in your kitchen and bathroom can lead to serious injuries. You can prevent accidental scalds and burns by following these steps:

  • Installing stove guards to create a physical barrier between children and hot surfaces.
  • Setting the water heater temperature to below 120°F (48°C) to prevent scalding.
  • Keeping hot liquids and foods out of reach of children.
  • Using stove knob covers to prevent accidental ignition.

3. Poisoning

There are many sources of poisoning in the house including chemicals, medications, and household cleaners. With their curiosity and love of tasting things, children are prone to these hazards. When they find these items within their reach, they can ingest them. On that note, consider the following safety measures:

  • Dispose of expired or unused medications properly.
  • Use child-resistant packaging for medications and hazardous materials.
  • Be aware of toxic plants and keep them out of reach or eliminate them from the home.

4. Drowning

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among children, particularly those under the age of four. Even small volumes of water pose a risk. Prevent drowning incidents by:

  • Emptying containers, such as buckets and inflatable pools, immediately after use.
  • Enrolling children in swimming lessons and teaching them water safety practices.
  • Never leave children unattended near water, including bathtubs, pools, and buckets.
  • Installing pool fences with self-latching gates.

5. Electrical injuries

Electrical outlets, cords, and appliances pose risks of shock and burns to children. To prevent electrical injuries:

  • Store electrical appliances, such as hairdryers and toasters, out of reach when not in use.
  • Cover unused electrical outlets with safety plugs or outlet covers.
  • To prevent tripping hazards, keep wires out of reach or use cord organizers. Teach children about the dangers of electricity and the importance of never touching outlets or cords.

6. Strangulation

Cords, strings, and window blind cords are potential strangulation hazards for children. To minimize risks:

  • Use cordless window coverings or retrofit blinds with safety devices.
  • Ensure children’s clothing does not have drawstrings that could pose a strangulation risk.
  • Use cord winders to fasten or keep cords out of reach.
  • Remove or cut the strings from hoodies and jackets to prevent entanglement.

7. Fire hazards

Fires and burns are significant risks in the home, particularly in households with young children. To minimize fire hazards:

  • Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of reach and in locked cabinets.
  • Teach children about fire safety, including “stop, drop, and roll” techniques.
  • Install smoke detectors on every floor and test them regularly.
  • Develop and practice a fire escape plan with children.

8. Furniture-related injuries

Unsecured furniture, such as bookshelves and dressers, can tip over and crush children. To prevent accidents from furniture tipping over:

  • Avoid placing tempting objects, such as toys or remote controls, on top of furniture.
  • Educate children about the dangers of climbing on furniture and encourage safe behavior.
  • Use furniture straps or brackets to fasten large, heavy furniture to the wall.
  • Place heavier items on lower shelves to lower the center of gravity.

9. Sharp objects

Knives, scissors, and other sharp objects present laceration hazards to children. To safeguard against cuts and puncture wounds:

  • Store sharp objects in locked drawers or high cabinets.
  • Keep knives and scissors out of reach and securely stored.
  • Supervise children during activities that involve sharp objects, such as crafting or cooking.
  • Teach children about the proper handling and use of sharp tools and utensils.

How TouchNot can help you protect your children from these risks
As any parent will tell you, being extra cautious always pays off. When you are dealing with your kids, it’s always wise to go that extra mile to make sure they are in a safe environment. Since you can’t always be on the lookout, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of TouchNot – the digital gadget designed to monitor and alert you of any risky behavior that your kids engage in. 

With its responsive sensors and loud alarm, TouchNot will summon you promptly and help you respond in time when your kids are in potential danger.

Since this gadget is so responsive, it allows you to engage in household chores and see to other things that need attention without constantly worrying about the safety of your child. 

TouchNot has different sensor modes for different goals, making it easy to discourage different kinds of risky play. For example, use the motion sensor mode to prevent kids from accidentally tumbling down a staircase or into the swimming pool. To prevent kids from playing with keys or turning on the oven, use the touch sensor mode. Additionally, TouchNot can run for 21 days on a single charge.

Simply put, TouchNot keeps an eye on your children even when you have to turn around and do something. When TouchNot emits an alarm, it not only notifies you that your children are approaching danger but also deters them from proceeding with their risky behavior. 

How is TouchNot different from other home security gadgets?

The father duo behind TouchNot developed this gadget to fill the gap left by other home security devices. While other concerned adults have designed products to protect kids from risky behavior, these products are limited to kids’ smart tags and security cameras. 

Unfortunately, while the smart tags are good at keeping youngsters from straying beyond designated safety zones, the tags rely on GPS and location-based data to function properly. On the other hand, cameras are mainly designed to record visuals and are intrusive by nature. 

The rare cameras with built-in intelligence that can identify risky child behavior are imprecise. It takes a long time to train the built-in AI to identify risky behavior. In addition to the intrusion and inaccuracy, these cameras can be costly and difficult to install.

In contrast to both smart tags and cameras, TouchNot is localized and specific to a place or object. What makes TouchNot even easier to use is the fact that it needs no installation.

Final take 

Having a child is undeniably fulfilling, especially when you can successfully keep them safe from harm. For this reason, you cannot overlook the dangers within the environment they love to explore. As mentioned earlier, they are born with curiosity so being extra cautious is important. 

Creating a safe environment for your child to roam in requires constant vigilance and proactive measures. When you identify potential hazards such as those above, you are on the right track. However, you need to go a step further and apply the ideal child-proofing strategy to keep them safe. 

With a robust solution like TouchNot, you can keep your kids safe. Using this tool, you can monitor your kids constantly even when you are busy. Thanks to TouchNot, you can enjoy peace of mind when you have to turn around and do something as your kids play.