WIREDGOV

At least 20,000 families across Northern Ireland received advice on how to protect their little ones against the dangers of choking and poisoning as part of Family Safety Week 2016.

Leaflets detailing the dangers of items such as lithium “button” cell batteries, liquid laundry capsule detergents, blind cords, e-cigarettes, medicines, chemicals, and other items will be delivered direct to families with young children over the coming weeks.

The initiative, from RoSPA, the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, the Public Health Agency, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Home Accident Prevention Northern Ireland, and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, was launched last Thursday as part of RoSPA’s Family Safety Week 2016 – www.familysafetyweek.org.uk.

The leaflet campaign aims to raise awareness with parents, carers, grandparents and health professionals of the risks of household items to young children, with thousands being distributed to families by home safety officers and health practitioners.

Ita McErlean, home safety manager for RoSPA Northern Ireland, said: “Unfortunately there are things around the home that pose a danger to children under the age of five – some of which many parents and carers may not realise are a risk.

“We want to make as many families as possible aware of the potential dangers. We are particularly concerned about button batteries, as we are seeing an increase in the number of children attending emergency departments after having swallowed one – they can become lodged, and burn through internal organs causing significant damage.”

Hilary Johnston, health and social wellbeing improvement manager at PHA, said: “This campaign will get important information to many thousands of parents and carers across our communities, helping to reduce serious injuries and save lives.

“Accidents are the main cause of death for children post-infancy, with many occurring in the home. Children are naturally curious about their environment – they like to climb and they like to put things in their mouths to see what they taste like. While it is impossible to watch over our children 24 hours a day, there are steps we can take to make the home environment as safe as necessary. The leaflets which are being sent to parents of young children are full of tips and resources that will help make sure that their little ones are kept safe.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: “More than any other group children, especially children under five, rely on others for their safety as they become aware of, and begin to explore, their surroundings. The first step in preventing injuries among babies and young children is making their environment safer, for example by keeping potentially dangerous substances including cleaning products, medicines and chemicals out of reach or by ensuring that looped blind cords are tied up. This leaflet gives practical advice to parents and carers on making the home safer as well as what to do in an emergency.”

Family Safety Week was set up by RoSPA in a bid to help millions of people protect their loved ones from accidents - the number one cause of early preventable death.

The event, which has the theme of under-fives in the home, ran until Friday, March 11. Other topics during the Week included falls, burns and scalds and poisonings. Advice and information is available at www.familysafetyweek.org.uk.