Keep children safe as they explore outdoors

Plunket is urging families to have fun but be safe in the outdoors this summer.

‘‘Summer is a wonderful time to get involved with young children outside and there are lots of new things to learn about and explore together at the beach, in the garden, and in the great outdoors,’’ said Sue Campbell, national child safety adviser at Plunket.

‘‘ However, outside environments, just like indoor ones, require some safety precautions to keep young ones safe. Little children are very vulnerable and very dependent on the good care and supervision of responsible and attentive adults.’’

Plunket suggested the following safeguards:

Stay with a toddler

or young child while explore outdoors.

Some plants are poisonous and soil can also contain poisons. Teach your child never to put anything from the garden in their mouth.

Many garden products and pool chemicals are highly poisonous. They must be kept out of reach in a high lockable cupboard that cannot be reached by climbing.

Keep liquids in their original container. NEVER store poisonous liquids in soft drink bottles.

While insect repellents are invaluable to ward off annoying insects, they are not appropriate for children under two years old. Avoid applying to children’s hands as they can place them in their mouths or eye.

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Putting away gardening tools when you are finished with them helps keep children safe. It is a good idea, if children wish to garden with you, to buy them their own special-sized, and child-safe, garden tools.

Do not leave buckets or other large containers of water where a young child can reach them and turn anything that could collect water upside down to prevent water collection. A child can drown in water as little as 4cm deep – the length of your little finger.

If you suspect a poisoning or need poisons advice, contact the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766). For poisons prevention information go to poisons.co.nz