Keeping kids safe at home this summer

With a string of unfortunate accidents at home recorded in recent months, ADT Security advises parents to be extra vigilant about the safety of their children these summer holidays.

Each day in Australia, 5,000 children require medical attention; 170 are admitted to hospital and one child dies – all as a result of unintentional injury. Most of these injuries occur at home.*

“Between playing in the front yard with neighbours, enjoying time in the pool and sleep-overs with friends, children tend to spend more time at home during summer than any other period of the year. Parents need to remember that a house can be a very dangerous place for children if safety and security measures are overlooked,” said ADT Security’s Mark Norton.

“While some Mums and Dads get to spend a fair amount of time at home in summer too, many others are required to return to work during the school holidays. This means a large number of children are left home alone or in the care of grandparents or babysitters. Following a few simple tips can safeguard your home and help ensure the warmer months can be enjoyed incident free,” said Mr Norton.

ADT Security offers the following tips to those responsible for the care of children these school holidays:
- Make sure children know who is allowed in the home when parents are at work. Where possible, have an intercom entrance system or locked screen doors fitted so children are not left vulnerable when answering the front door.
- Lock up all matches and lighters and blow out candles whenever leaving the room. Never leave young children unattended near an open flame or BBQ.
- Always supervise young children around water, don’t rely on other adults or siblings. Remember floaties are not a substitute for adults overseeing things and can often give children a false sense of security in the water.
- Flyscreens are purely designed to keep insects out, they are not strong enough to support children. Ensure that all windows lock open at 9 centimetres** and make sure beds and cots and other climbable furniture located away from windows.
- Securely store all medications and household cleaning products in a cabinet preferably up high, out of arm reach with a childproof lock to help prevent poisoning.
- If children are old enough, make sure they know how to dial 000. Practising an evacuation plan to get out of the house in the event of a fire or incident and basic first-aid skills are also valuable.
- Don’t let the security of your home fall down the priority list. The hot weather means many of us keep windows and doors open to circulate air, providing an open invitation to thieves. Keep doors locked and where air flow is needed ensure security screen doors or windows are fitted.
- Consider a monitored home security system. Some systems such as ADT Select allow parents to check remotely when their children get home, perfect for parents at work who want to check on their kids.

Media - for further information please contact:
Corrina Frankham or Nicole Gentle, Write Away Communication + Events
Ph: 02 9978 1400 Email: corrina@writeaway.com.au, nicole@writeaway.com.au

ABOUT ADT SECURITY
With more than a century’s worth of experience ADT Security is the world’s largest electronic security company, providing electronic security solutions to more than seven million residential, commercial and retail customers worldwide. ADT Security’s products include alarm systems and integrated security applications that link access control, CCTV, electronic article surveillance and source tagging systems. www.adtsecurity.com.au

Security Lic: VIC No. 65201491P | WA No. SA25942 | SA No. ISL152299 | NSW No. 405187443 | ACT No. 17501009 | QLD No. 3258669

*Kidsafe – Child Accident Prevention Foundation
** NSW Health ‘Protect Your Child’ fact sheet