When most people think of water safety, they think of pools, lakes and beaches. Yet, the bathtub, among other places, in your home can be a dangerous place for both young children and the elderly if not properly supervised. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 2006 and 2010 a total of 303 children under age 5 years old drowned in just bathtubs, and if you include children placed in infant bath seats in bathtubs, the total rises to 346.
Though these statistics can be alarming, there are some things that you can do to help prevent incidents in your own home:
Never leave a baby or child unattended in a bathtub. Believe it or not, Infants can drown in as little as 1 inch of water.
Drain your tub immediately after each use. And teach your children to do so as well.
Make sure that any buckets or containers that hold water are always emptied after use and stored upside down.
Close toilet lids and install toilet locks if you have very small children.
Be certain to close the lid on your clothes washer so as not to tempt little ones. And while some parents allow their children to play in the drum of their washer when not in use, remember that the more comfortable a child is there, the more likely he or she may be to try to climb in when you are not around
If possible, keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed. Out-of-sight and out-of-mind is the goal.
Always, always use a safety cover if you have a hot tub or spa in your home. And be certain that your child is always at arm’s length when around a hot tub – just as you would an outdoor pool.
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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!
