YFD offers tips on child safety and injury prevention

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Firefighters remind the community how to prevent child injuries caused by fires, drownings, firearms, and choking.

The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) said families should always have a plan in case of an emergency. Firefighters say practicing “Exit Drills In The Home (E.D.I.T.H.)" will help them learn how to do it at home. In addition, they recommend always make sure your smoke alarms are working and change the batteries at least every year but test them monthly.

According to National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 45% of unintentional injury deaths occurred in and around the home.

YFD said drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4.

Some tips fire crews recommend in case your child suffocates or chokes in your home is.

• Eliminate openings of more than 3½ inches in headboards or furniture.
• Use a small parts tester to determine if a small toy or toy part is a hazard (a toilet paper tube works well, if it is small enough to fit through the tube, it is a hazard).
• Secure tall and heavy furniture to the walls (using furniture straps/brackets).
• Lay your baby on their back to sleep.

As for poisoning, make sure household chemicals and medications are put away. YFD said never to tell children medicine is candy and always to lock away medications.