Don't Be a Victim: Child Safety

WSVN -- This is your home as seen through the eyes of a child, but if you don't know what to look for, in a matter of seconds they can turn into danger zones.

Officer Frank Jackson of Coral Gables Police: "Far too often we have to respond as law enforcement officers to incidents, we're arriving at the scene and there is a frantic parent."

Frantic because the unthinkable happened and the unthinkable happens every day.

Woman: "And you know as a mother when you hear that scream you know something went wrong."

Neighbors in Miramar were shocked after learning that a two year old drowned in his family's pool. In Homestead, a father runs over his toddler son.

Officer Frank Jackson of Coral Gables Police: "He observed his 3-year-old son laying on the ground in a fetal position."

Neither accident had to happen and with children home from school for the summer, now is the time to look at your home from another perspective.

Gayane Stepanian, Injury Free Coalition: "One of the things that we found in Miami-Dade County is that injuries is the number one cause of death to children."

And now there's a new tool to help you prevent those injuries. This mobile home from The Children's Trust shows parents how to child proof their home.

First thing, get down to your child's level.

Gayane Stepanian, Injury Free Coalition: "Here is your typical kitchen cabinet where you store a lot of your household cleaners, is in the unlock position, great access for your child to get into a lot of volatile chemicals."

Officer Frank Jackson recommends installing locks in the kitchen cabinets, setting up gates and locking the toilet lids.

Officer Frank Jackson of Coral Gables Police: "Blind cords and curtain cords are extremely dangerous to children strangulation occurs"

Another vital safety tip, keep cribs and beds away from the windows or furniture that children can climb, and always keep the lose chords out of children's reach.

Officer Frank Jackson of Coral Gables Police: "You need to realize that safety in your home also includes safety outside of your home."

Another crucial step to take, if you have a pool install some type of barrier. Also teach your kids not to play in the driveway when there are cars around.

And finally, when it comes to keeping your child safe, remember supervision is the best form of protection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Injury Free
305.243.8838
www.injuryfree.org