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News Release 16 April 2020

Date: Monday, 20th Apr 2020 | Category: General

Tips for families on staying safe at home and preventing accidents

Parents and carers in Sandwell are urged to be extra vigilant of potential dangers in and around the home as young children look for things to do during the coronavirus outbreak.

Sandwell Children’s Safeguarding Partnership has shared some simple steps on home safety to help families prevent accidents.

Lesley Hagger, Sandwell’s Executive Director of Children’s Services and Chair of the Sandwell Children’s Safeguarding Partnership, said: “It’s vital everyone follows the Government’s guidance to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

“We know it’s a challenging time for many people – and young children are spending longer periods at home than they would usually do.

“It can be hard for parents and carers juggling childcare and working from home at the same time.

“Young children can easily become bored and may go looking for things to do that can lead to accidents.

“We want to do all we can to prevent serious accidents in Sandwell and hope these tips will help families.”

Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Yvonne Davies welcomed the partnership’s advice.

She said: “It’s a difficult time for families and these are helpful reminders for parents and carers to prevent accidents and keep young children safe.”

Three key tips are:

  • Ensure windows are not left open where children can reach or climb up to them
  • Keep cleaning products, garden chemicals and medicines locked away or well out of reach
  • Supervise children at all times near water, including paddling pools and garden ponds, and particularly if you live close to a canal

Further detailed advice can be found on the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) website at www.rospa.com/accidentfree

Families are also urged to ensure they still seek medical help if their child is unwell or injured.

Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same care that they have always done.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has a range of advice for parents and carers on children accessing treatment and attending medical appointments during the coronavirus outbreak.

Go to www.rcpch.ac.uk/key-topics/covid-19 for more information as well as tips on stay at home activities for children and young people.

More information on Sandwell’s response to the coronavirus emergency and support available at www.sandwell.gov.uk/coronavirus

For further information please contact:
Sandwell Council Communications Unit
0121 569 3031
Out of hours/emergency: 07920 027 723
www.twitter.com/sandwellcouncil
www.facebook.com/sandwellcouncil