Safety at home during the pandemic

As schools and childcare centers have closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, kids of all ages are staying home for longer periods of time. Many parents have also transitioned their work space to home offices, thus greatly increasing the amount of time families are spending together in their houses. Here are some resources and safety tips to help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your entire family stays safe:

Safety Tips to Remember When Young Kids Are Home

As schools and childcare centers are closing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), kids of all ages will be home for longer periods of time. Young children ages 1-5 have lots of energy and are full of curiosity, but sometimes we find them getting into things they shouldn’t.

Whether you’re a parent working from home or a family member, friend or neighbor helping with childcare, here are 3 tips to keep young kids safe in your home.

Store household cleaning products safely to prevent poisoning and save the Poison Help number in your phone: 1-800-222-1222. We’re all bringing additional hand sanitizers, cleaning and disinfectant products into the home. Young kids are often eye-level with items on tables and under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, so remember to keep these products in their original containers, out of children’s reach and sight.
Keep all medicine out of reach and sight, even medicine you take every day. This is the time of year when there is already more flu and cold medicine in the home. Curious kids can easily get into things, like medicine and vitamins kept in purses, on counters and nightstands.
Separate toys by age. As friends and neighbors pitch in to help with childcare, take a moment to separate toys by age and keep a special eye on small game pieces and button batteries that may be a hazard for young children.

Home Safety During the Pandemic: Creating a Safe Place for Young Kids to Play

Remembering Gun Safety in the Time of COVID-19

Whether or not you possess a gun is a personal decision. This link shares information on how to store them properly and keep them safe.

Home Safety Tips for Older Adults – Health in Aging Tips

With a growing number of older adults living independently, it’s increasingly important to make sure they are safe at home. If you’re an older adult living along at home, or care for an older person living alone, this resource provides information on what you need to do to stay safe.