Understanding And Preventing Door-Related Injuries In Kids
Looking after kids can be pretty challenging. This is because most school-going kids love to stay active, and more activity means more vulnerability. While several dangers are lurking around for kids at home and in school, one danger that is often overlooked is doors.
While at first a door may seem harmless, they result in a significant percentage of children visiting the emergency room each year. Therefore, all parents and school managers must take specific safety measures to prevent such injuries at home or school.
The Danger Of Doors!
Regarding door injuries, toddlers are much more susceptible to getting their hands or fingers jammed in closing doors or hinges since they are always ready to explore all cracks and crevices without understanding what could cause an injury. However, even older kids are susceptible to such injuries!
While door injuries tend to occur from both sides of the door, the hinge side is especially dangerous since it generally results in severe injuries! A severe door injury could result in a crushed, fractured, or fully amputated finger! While many states have made installing door finger guards for schools mandatory, it's also essential to consider installing them in your home. Kids from one to two years of age are generally more prone to such accidents since they are not exceptionally cautious of their environment and love to explore their curiosity. Older kids can be more careful and be asked to stay vigilant around doors.
How To Prevent Door Related Injuries At Home Or School?
Once your child reaches kindergarten or school-going age, you will notice more high-traffic doors with a door finger guard. But unless you fully understand all the risks they pose before your child gets to that age, it could be too late for you to prevent your child from injuring their hands or fingers. Now that you understand the dangers of door hinges let's look at the best solution for this problem.
While kids can also get injured from the handle side of a door, these injuries are rarely as severe as a door hinge injury. To prevent such injuries in your vicinity, we suggest you install door hinge guards today! These strips keep the beauty of your home and can be installed with any professional help.
They are flexible strips that help prevent small hands and fingers from accessing the hinge gap between the door and its frame, effortlessly preventing severe injuries! In addition to installing a door hinge guard, you can also:
- Ensure your child's hands and fingers are safe before closing the car or home doors
- Teach kids to keep their hands and fingers away from the hinge side of the door.
- Install door stoppers to prevent doors from suddenly slamming shut.
- Drape a thick cloth on all unprotected doors to ensure they never close fully without your assistance.
If you take these precautions, you can easily ensure your child stays safe from severe injuries. If you notice your child's daycare centre or school does not have door finger guards installed, please ask them to do so before something happens.
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