Plunket urges vigilance about child safety following quake

Plunket urges vigilance about child safety following earthquake

Plunket is urging parents and caregivers to be vigilant about child safety following the Christchurch earthquake.

Sue Campbell, Plunket’s National Child Safety Advisor says that with many families staying in unfamiliar surroundings, parents and caregivers need to be alert to possible dangers.

“Children need to be well supervised when using chemical toilets and portaloos and any chemicals need to be stored well out of their reach. Toddlers can easily pull themselves up and topple into a toilet. It only takes 4cm of water and less than 2 minutes for a child to drown.

“It’s understandable that attention may be diverted in times of grief, crisis and changed circumstance so taking simple precautions, such as shutting doors to close toilets off from young children, would be a great way to keep children safe from harm..

“Children love to explore new places and other adults may not realise there are dangers if they are not used to children visiting. Different homes have different dangers. If family or friends are going to care for your child, talk to them about safety risks in their homes, such as medications, poisons, road and driveway access, and how to make their homes safer for your child.”

“The home you are currently staying in may be one that doesn’t regularly have young children visiting or living in it. A quick check of the inside and outside environment, what needs to be placed up high out of reach, moved away or separated from a curious child can help to keep them safe,” she says.

“It’s also a good time to think about safe sleeping practices. We know it’s hard to stick with routines and systems when you have been displaced from your home. Remember – face up, face clear, smoke free will help keep your baby safe.”

Plunket centres throughout the country are offering parenting information and support to families and whānau with babies and toddlers displaced after the Christchurch earthquake. Plunket nurses are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on PlunketLine (0800 933 922).

For more information visit http://www.plunket.org.nz/your-child/safety/

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