Protecting Little Fingers
Every year, around 30,000 children injure their fingers in doors, according to ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). It’s a startling statistic, especially when we realise how easily these painful accidents can be prevented with a little forethought during home renovations. Even more concerning is that over 1,500 of these cases require surgery—an ordeal no parent wants their child to endure.
With the Summer holidays in full swing, children often find themselves exploring and playing with boundless curiosity. While their imaginative adventures are a joy to watch, they can also lead to unexpected injuries. This is why it’s crucial for parents to be proactive in making their homes safer. With a few simple adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Finger Safety in Doors
When selecting new doors for your home, consider installing finger-safe gaskets and safety catches. Usually when a door closes, there’s a gap between the door and the frame where fingers can accidentally get pinched or crushed. Finger-safe gaskets fill in this gap, providing a buffer that prevents the common yet painful mishap of little fingers getting trapped in doors.
Door restrictors can also help with this as they are mechanisms that control the movement of a door to prevent it from slamming shut too quickly or from closing entirely without deliberate effort. This reduces the likelihood of a door suddenly slamming shut on a finger.
Window Safety
Children are naturally curious and love to explore, which can make low windowsills a potential danger. To prevent falls and keep kids safe, consider installing safety latches and restrictor hooks. They can limit how much a window can be opened, ensuring that it cannot be opened enough for a child to fall through.
Another simple solution is to keep reachable windows securely locked. Most window handles are equipped with a locking mechanism that not only prevents little hands from opening them but also helps enhance your home’s security against intruders.
Glass
Toughened glass is a safer option due to its increased strength. Even if it does break, it shatters into small, less harmful pieces, reducing the risk of serious injury. At P & K Lacey, we use toughened glass for all our windows. While it may be slightly more expensive, the added safety is well worth the investment. Safety should always be the top priority!
Preventing Trips and Falls
Tripping is another common occurrence for children. To minimise this risk, consider opting for low-threshold doors, which are designed with a minimal height difference between the floor and the door frame. Not only do these reduce the chance of tripping, but they’re also a great accessibility feature for those with mobility issues.
Let’s take steps to ensure our homes are as safe as possible. A few small changes can make a big difference in preventing injuries and keeping our little ones safe and sound.
If you feel your home need some child proofing, then contact the window & door specialists at P & K Lacey (Southampton) and they will advise you on the best ways to improve your home.
