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Child safety at home: around water, driveways and roads

Use swimming pool fences that meet Australian standards. Keep them in good working order. Securely cover birdbaths and ponds with wire mesh, or leave them empty until children are at least 5 years old.

For safe fun with water, always watch your child and stay within arm’s reach – even if your child can swim.

For pedestrian safety, always supervise children. Hold hands near cars, roads and driveways. Reverse down driveways only when you know where children are.

Child safety around play equipment and in the garden

For safety around play equipment, always supervise your child. Or better still, play with your child!

Sun safety means sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum and water resistant), a hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers your child’s skin.

Avoid growing dangerous plants, or fence them off until your child knows not to touch or eat them (usually around 3 years).

Home safety around sheds, garages and tools

Lock your shed, garage and storage boxes.

When using tools, make sure your child is out of the way. When you’re not using tools, lock them away or store them out of reach. Unplug power tools.

Keep lawnmowers out of reach.

Keep household poisons out of reach, out of sight and locked away, at least 1.5 metres up.

Keep emergency numbers on your fridge or in your phone. Read more about making your home safe for your child.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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