Simple tips can prevent serious accidents this Home Safety Week

The Public Health Agency is reminding families across Northern Ireland that taking small, simple safety steps can help save lives. The call comes during Child Safety Week 2025 (2 – 8 June), as unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury among children in Northern Ireland.

Children under five are particularly vulnerable, with five common hazards – choking, suffocation and strangulation; falls; poisoning; burns and scalds; and drowning – accounting for 90% of hospital emergency admissions in this age group.

Diane McIntyre, Interim Head of Health Improvement at PHA, said:

“The thought of kids being injured is not something any of us wants to consider, but many accidents are preventable with a few small changes in our daily routines, so we’re urging parents and carers to use Child Safety Week as an opportunity to make these changes where necessary. It’s better to think about it now and reduce risks rather than take a chance by ignoring it.

“On average, two people in Northern Ireland die each week due to accidents at home. Alongside these deaths, around 17,000 people are admitted to hospital following accidents in a domestic setting – many of them young children.

“Whether it’s a blind cord near a cot, a button battery left on a coffee table or a moment’s distraction near hot water – the dangers can escalate in seconds.

“It’s impossible to watch over children every moment of the day, that’s why prevention is key – a few small changes to create a safe environment at home can significantly reduce the risk and help prevent accidents from happening in the first place.”

This year’s theme – ‘Sharing is Safety’ – encourages families, carers and communities to pass on practical advice. Here are some of our top tips to keep children safe around the home:

Blind cord safety

Examine every blind in your home. If it has a looped control cord, fit a safety device.
Always keep cords and chains out of children’s reach
Move cots, beds and furniture away from windows and blinds

Preventing falls and furniture hazards

Secure televisions, chests of drawers and shelving to the wall
Ensure rugs and mats are non-slip and secured properly
Supervise children using climbing frames and trampolines in the garden

Button batteries and choking hazards

Keep small objects, including button batteries and small toys, well out of reach.
Check that battery compartments on devices are secure.
Cut food into small pieces and keep choking hazards like nappy sacks and packaging out of reach.

Preventing poisoning and burns

Store cleaning products and medicines in a locked or high cupboard
Clean up any spills immediately
Be aware of the dangers of hot drinks, appliances and bath water.

Dog and road safety

Always supervise children around dogs, including family pets
Teach children basic road safety – stop, look and listen – and ensure they wear reflective clothing in low light

Fire safety and supervision

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly
Keep children away from tools, and machinery and tidy up after DIY jobs
Never leave children unsupervised near pools, ponds or open water.

The PHA funds the Home Safety Check Scheme, delivered by 11 local councils in Northern Ireland. It provides free home safety checks to families with children under five, older adults and vulnerable individuals. Checks include safety advice and free safety equipment, subject to assessment and availability.

For more information on how to keep your children safe in the home visit | www.pha.site/childs-safety-home