September 12, 2003 Is Your Child Safe at Home?Health department promotes drowning prevention

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sep 12, 2003 -

Baton Rouge --- Most parents know backyard pools can be a drowning hazard, but they forget bathtubs, buckets, toilets, hot tubs and spas can be just as dangerous.  Accidents involving these common household items cause the drowning deaths of approximately 115 children each year, in addition to the approximately 250 children per year who drown in household pools. 

The Department of Health --- Office of Public Health is participating in an information campaign designed to educate parents about how to prevent drowning accidents in the home. The campaign is part of a national effort that includes the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. and Babies “R” Us. 

“The information we are providing to the public helps us educate parents about how they can keep children safe and healthy,” said Secretary David W. Hood. “We often think our children are protected and cared for when at home with us but unfortunately, that is not always the case. We hope this campaign will remind all our citizens how important it is to keep children away from potentially dangerous household areas.” 

State health officials urge parents to be aware children can drown within seconds in only a few inches of water, so it is important to be vigilant in the home. Some simple tips parents can take to lessen a child’s risk of drowning include: 

• NEVER leave a baby alone in a bathtub, even for a second. Do not leave to answer the phone or door, get a towel or any reason. When you are with the baby, make sure he or she is in arm’s reach at all times.
• Do not rely on young siblings to watch a baby in the tub.
• Baby bath seats are bathing aids, NOT safety devices. You still must monitor an infant the whole time he or she is in one of these seats in a tub.
• Make sure to always empty buckets used around the home for mopping, collecting rainwater, etc. when finished. Do not ever leave a child unattended around one of these buckets. Small children can fall in headfirst and drown within seconds.
• Place secure safety covers on hot tubs or outdoor spas. Make sure children cannot easily pull the cover off and climb into the area.
• Always keep toilet lids closed so children cannot fall in and drown.
• Parents should be trained in CPR so they will be prepared in the event of an emergency.

For more information about the campaign or household safety tips, please visit www.cpsc.gov or the Office of Public Health Web site, http://www.oph.dhh.state.la.us.