Garage / Outdoors Safety

The garage and outdoor areas are dangerous areas for your children, because it's where children can accidentally access chemicals, pools, sheds and driveways. Here are some things to consider when your child is outdoors:

• Secure garden equipment, pesticides, chemicals and tools in a locked garage/shed. Ensure the garage/shed is inaccessible and always locked.
   
• Consider using a child distance monitor when out and about in busy areas, to assist you to keep your child close by, and for early detection if they wander off.
   
• A child safety harness can also be helpful in keeping your child near you when out and about inbusy areas.
   
• Place an ID wrist band on your child, including your contact information (phone number etc) so you can be contacted if they do get lost.
   
• Ensure there are no gaps in, or under, your fences, where children can escape.
   
• Always supervise children in the driveway when a vehicle is being moved. Ensure the driveway is not accessible from the yard. In Australia, one child every week, often a toddler, is run over in the driveway of their own home. Consider installing a car reverse alert beeper in your car.
   
• Discourage children from playing in the driveway. A driveway is a small road.
   
• Ensure side gates are always locked.
   
• Ensure play equipment is age appropriate and children are always supervised when using it.
   
• Remove containers/pots or equipment that could collect rain. Remember, it is possible to drown in shallow water.
   
• If you have a balcony, remove all climbing aids (pot plants, chairs, etc.) that children could climb onto.
   
• If you have a fishpond, cover it with mesh to avoid drowning.
   
• Store your pet’s water bowls out of reach of children. Children are at risk of drowning in them, especially babies less than one year old.
   
• Always supervise children when they are with the family dog.
   
• If you have a pool, ensure the pool gate is closed at all times. Never wedge it open. 

Source: Modified from The Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia - Kidsafe and The Mother and Baby "Safety Guide". 

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