Keep kids safe these holidays

Keep kids safe these holidays

About 90 children aged under five end up in hospital each year after swallowing or being exposed to chemicals at home,” says Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Hazardous Substances Compliance Manager, Ray McMillan.

“Young children’s natural impulse is to put things straight into their mouths, - they can’t tell the difference between what is safe and what isn’t. But with a small amount of thought and preparation it is possible to make sure a catastrophe doesn’t happen.”

Tips for making sure your home is safe

· Lock up chemicals or store them up high and out of sight and put child-proof locks on cupboards.

· Try not to store large quantities of chemicals.

· Put chemicals away as soon as you bring them home or have finished using them.

· Include sheds, garages and other buildings in your safety check.

· Keep the Poisons Centre 24 hour phone line 0800 764 766 on the fridge and in your mobile.

Take care when camping

Mr McMillan says to keep chemicals on camp sites and in communal kitchens out of reach of children.

“And if you are putting chemicals into smaller containers for travelling make sure the container is clearly labelled and, if possible, has a child-proof lid. Never store hazardous substances in drink bottles.”

There are more tips and suggestions on the EPA’s website:
">http://www.epa.govt.nz/hazardous-substances/at-home/Pages/keep-children-safe.aspx>

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