Hidden home hazards: 5 risks for children
The child left his mother's sight for mere minutes. Yet that was enough time for 21-month-old Ollie Hebb to fall into the top-loading washing machine and become submerged in a full tub. The Utah boy died a day later, after suffering severe brain damage.
Between 2005 and 2009, two children under the age of five died as a result of laundry room accidents, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Washing machine-related injuries are more common than deaths, says Scott Wolfson, director of public affairs for the CPSC. Aside from drowning, children may suffer burns from hot water in the machine, or injuries to their limbs if they come into contact with a rapidly spinning basin. "Kids are curious. We have to be very vigilant about our children, and really live in the moment and be present when we're supervising them," says Kate Carr, president of Safe Kids Worldwide, which aims to prevent unintentional childhood injuries.
Washing machines aren't the only hidden dangers lurking in homes. From Angela Haupt at U.S. News, here are 5 others to be cautious of...
Hidden home hazards: 5 risks for children
Standing water
Drowning concerns extend beyond swimming pools. Any type of standing water - even if it's just an inch deep - can harm a child. "The bathroom is the riskiest room in the house," says Garry Gardner, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' council on injury, violence, and poison prevention. "Children lean over and look into the toilet or bathtub, they trip, and they fall in." Keep young children out of the bathroom unless they're being closely watched, and teach others in the home to keep the bathroom door closed at all times. Ice chests with melted ice, water buckets or pails, and whirlpools also pose risks. Empty all buckets, pails, and bathtubs completely after use; never leave them filled or unattended. And adjust the water heater thermostat so that the hottest temperature at the faucet is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, to help avoid burns.
More from U.S. News: How to have a happier, healthier and smarter baby
Hidden home hazards: 5 risks for children
Televisions
Hidden home hazards: 5 risks for children
Button batteries
These high-powered lithium batteries, no bigger than a nickle, are used to power small electronic devices, including remote controls, watches, musical greeting cards, and ornaments. When accidentally swallowed, they can get stuck in the esophagus and generate an electrical current that causes severe chemical burns and tissue damage. "The window of opportunity for getting it out before it causes irreparable damage is two hours," Gardner says. If you're even remotely concerned that your child has ingested one of the batteries, head to the emergency room immediately.
More from U.S. News: 10 reasons play can make you happy, healthy and more productive
Hidden home hazards: 5 risks for children
Treadmills
Hidden home hazards: 5 risks for children
Coffee
Be wary of where you set down that morning cup of joe. A child could accidently tip it over. Burns, especially scalds from hot water and other liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. "Kids are not small adults. Because they're growing, their skin is more fragile," Carr says. "And their body surface is much smaller, so a little bit of coffee goes a long way."
More from U.S. News: Best and worst fast food kids meals