Council Marks Child Accident Prevention Week

June 2, 2016

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council wishes to raise awareness of Child Safety Week, which is taking place next week, from 6th – 12th June.

The theme for this year is ‘Turn off Technology!’ and the Lisburn & Castlereagh Home Accident Prevention Group (HAP) would like to ask all parents to turn off technology at crucial times of the day.

Councillor Brian Hanvey, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee, said: “Accidents often happen when we are distracted by answering a call or reading a text message.  By turning off technology at crucial times in the day, parents can give their children their full attention which will keep them safer when pressures mount.

“Child Safety Week is run by Child Accident Prevention Trust to raise awareness of the risks of child accidentsand how they can be prevented; and through the local HAP the Council annually supports this initiative.  

“Those who look after young children need to be aware of the potential dangers associated with poisons that may be around the home such as lithium button batteries, electronic cigarette refills, cleaning detergents and liquid-tabs. 

“Accidental poisoning can be fatal, or cause long-term damage to internal organs. Remember, child-resistant packaging is NEVER child-proof. Some small children can open child-resistant containers in a matter of seconds. Keep poisonous materials locked away or out of children’s reach,” concluded Councillor Hanvey.

Lisburn & Castlereagh HAP would encourage all residents to search your home for poisons and make sure these items are not easily accessible to younger children. Turn off technology and give your children your attention to help keep them safe.

For further information contact Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Home Safety Officer on 028 9049 4583.