University of Virginia Health System

• Wash your hands after using household chemicals.
  
  
• Ensure there are no sharp corners on the edges of furnishings and home fixtures.
  
  
• Wear chemical safety goggles when using hazardous solvents and detergents, and do not mix cleaning agents around or near your child.
  
  
• Turn spray nozzles away from your face and the faces of others.
  
  
• Read and follow directions when opening bottle-tops (i.e., wine, carbonated beverages).
  
  
• Read and follow directions when playing games and operating equipment.
  
  
• Provide lights and handrails to improve safety on stairs.
  
  
• Keep paints, pesticides, and fertilizers properly stored in a secure area.
  
  
• Make sue you and your child wear recommended protective goggles, helmets, and safety gear during the appropriate activities.
  
  
• Use guards on all power equipment.
  
  
• Make sure your child's eyes are protected either by a wind-brimmed hat or by wearing ultraviolet (UV)-protective sunglasses.
  
  
• Teach your child to never look directly at the sun (especially during an eclipse).

• Make sure your child wears recommended protective eyewear during the appropriate sports and recreational activities.
  
  
• A helmet with a polycarbonate face mask or wire shield should be worn during the appropriate sports.

With children:

• Select toys that are appropriate for the child's age and activity level.
  
  
• Provide adequate supervision for your child during activities that use sharp objects (i.e., arts and crafts).
  
  
• Do not permit a child to play with projectile toys such as pellet guns or bows and arrows.
  
  
• Beware of items in playgrounds and play areas that pose potential eye hazards.
  
  
• Keep all hazardous cleaning supplies and sprays out of the reach of children.
  
  
• Keep children away from fireworks.
  
  
• Set an example of using the appropriate protective eyewear during sporting and recreational activities.
  
  
• Keep children away from lawnmowers in use, as debris may be projected into the air.
  
  
• At school, teach children to wear protective eye wear when performing science or lab experiments.