In less than a week, schools and kindergartens will break for the eagerly awaited summer vacation. For the next two months, many children will spend most of their time at home and its surroundings. As parents, we need to make the home a safer place for them by taking a few simple steps, significantly reducing numerous risk factors. Sharon Rahamim, VP of Sales at Beko Israel, shares several tips to help you get through the summer break safely.
“It’s important to pay attention to the various appliances in our home,” says Sharon. “For instance, the stove area is the most critical. Whether you have gas or electric stoves, you must monitor them while cooking and never leave a burning flame unattended. Place pots and pans on the inner parts of the stove, out of children’s reach. If your children are alone at home, keep matches and lighters out of their reach.”
One of the greatest dangers to children is electrical outlets. First, avoid overloading outlets with too many power strips connected simultaneously. Overloading can cause the outlet to overheat and potentially lead to a short circuit. Additionally, damaged cables are a major cause of household fires. Regularly check their condition to ensure they are intact and not frayed or split. If you find a faulty cable, replace it immediately.
For small devices like laptops or rechargeable batteries, avoid charging them unattended, especially in sensitive areas such as on the bed or sofa. These devices can overheat, ignite, and cause a battery fire. Always place devices on a safe surface like a counter, table, or shelf when they are plugged in.
In most homes, washing machines are placed on the floor with doors at a height accessible to children. An innocent game of hide-and-seek or natural curiosity can lead them to climb into the washing machine and potentially get trapped. Therefore, always ensure the washing machine door is securely closed. The pleasant scent of detergents, tablets, and fabric softeners can also pique children’s curiosity, so store these items in a safe place. Dishwashers are also typically located on the floor. When children are home alone or when your attention is diverted, make sure the dishwasher door is securely closed. Do not leave glassware or sharp knives in the dishwasher.
Like adults, children often open the refrigerator frequently, especially when bored. Many of us store potentially dangerous items in the fridge, such as alcohol, medications, glass bottles, or heavy pots. Keep these items on the higher shelves.
There are many other dangers lurking for our children, both inside and outside the home, and we cannot always be there to supervise them. Therefore, it is crucial to spend a few minutes thinking about safety, conduct a brief tour around the house, and identify potential safety hazards that could harm children. Preparing in advance and paying attention will ensure an enjoyable and safe summer.