Family vacation soon? These simple safety steps can help avoid an ER trip

(BPT) – Whether you’re traveling near or far, vacations can be a fun and relaxing time for families. However, people who are traveling with small children need to think about dangers that they may not have to consider while at home. When parents and caregivers take a few safety steps wherever they’re staying, they’ll help avoid injury and accidents while on vacation.Strangulation dangersMany hotels, resorts and rentals have window blinds. Always check the blinds and note whether they have cords or are cordless. If corded, tie up all cords so they are well out of the reach of young children. Corded window coverings pose a ‎strangulation hazard to infants and young children, who can become entangled in the blink of an eye. Learn more at WindowCoverings.org.Furniture safetyChildren are curious and playful. Check furniture and TVs for risk of tipping, and note sharp corners which could cause injury. Also, all cribs and furniture ‎must be moved away from potentially accessible windows. Designate safe play areas for your kids and point out things that could cause injuries, so they understand why some areas are off limits.Medication and alcohol storageFamily visits are always special, but keep in mind in someone else’s home — especially those without kids — medications could be left out on tables or in the kitchen. Additionally, alcohol might be out on bar carts and in refreshment refrigerators. Before you arrive, ask these items be stored out of reach or in cabinets while the kids are around. Once you arrive, give the areas a once-over to ensure nothing was overlooked.Choking hazardsIn other homes or hotels, things like buttons, batteries, decorative items and even hard candies might be easily accessible. Make sure to be aware of these hazards and store items appropriately, especially if you have babies or toddlers who like to put things in their mouths. Additionally, place hotel-size hygiene items out of reach to prevent accidental poisoning.Water threatsIf you’re traveling somewhere near the water, think of all related hazards. Tile floors can become slippery. Wear surf shoes when in water, where rocks and shells can make things slippery or cause cuts. Always make sure life jackets fit properly. If visiting a private residence with a pool, consider bringing a pool alarm that sounds when the water is breached.Hotels and other homes may not be set up with young kids in mind, but with a few checks, you can work to prevent accidents while on vacation. Travel can be nerve wracking for a parent, but if you use the same discretion and safety checking in your places of stay that you do in your home, you’ll have peace of mind wherever you travel.