It begins with a quiet kitchen moment: a parent preparing dinner with a child playing nearby.

Then suddenly, there’s a loud cry. 

In a split second, hot water splashes from an electric kettle when the child accidentally pulls the cord and the child suffers a burn. 

In that terrifying moment, reality hits: an unchildproofed home feature has turned a simple routine into a tragedy.

We often say, “Rumahku, syurgaku (My home, my heaven)”, but what if that sanctuary was threatened by something preventable? 

Home accidents account for 2.5% of all reported injuries in Malaysia, and alarmingly, three out of every 1,000 home injuries result in death. 

While statistics show that boys and children under nine years old are at the highest risk, the good news is that most of these injuries are predictable and preventable.

To transform our homes into safe environments, we need a multi-pronged approach that combines parental education with physical barriers.

Here is how we can address the risks, room by room.

The kitchen: A danger zone

The kitchen is where we cook for loved ones, yet ironically, it is a common location for cuts, falls, poisoning and scalds.

When you stand at the stove, think of what your child can reach. 

Always turn pot and pan handles inward and facing the wall to create a simple barrier against curious grabs that can result in scalding splashes. 

Whenever possible, let the back burners be your first choice; keeping that fiery heat far from little hands that might be tempted to reach out and touch, is a small habit that saves lives.

It is not uncommon to see children brought into the emergency room because they drank detergent stored in a fruit juice bottle. 

To prevent this, always store cleaning supplies in their original containers with safety caps on. 

Crucially, keep them out of reach of mischievous kids by placing them in a cabinet at a height of more than 1.75m from the floor.

Sharp cutlery and knives are necessary for the home, but are hidden dangers in a child’s world. 

We must not rely on height alone; instead, secure all sharp implements inside a locked cupboard so that little hands only grasp what is meant for play. 

Additionally, wipe away liquid spills and stray traces of oil instantly to prevent a happy toddle from turning into a painful fall.

The bathroom: Water risks

Bath time is often the purest joy of the day, but that joy must be coupled with vigilance. 

This place of fun is tragically a key location for devastating falls and drowning.

When water is present, the rule is absolute: every second counts. 

Never leave a child unattended in the bathroom or near any water source. 

In a Malaysian home, a pail or baldi can be relatively big for a small infant and poses a drowning risk; ensure all such water containers are covered securely.

We cannot emphasise enough the importance of always testing the bath water temperature. 

Babies need a temperature of 50°C or less for comfort and protection. 

Busy parents can easily forget, but make a promise to yourself to always test the temperature before their delicate skin touches the water.

Clean bathrooms frequently to prevent the collection of moss and slippery residue. 

Placing a non-skid mat on the floor helps, but the most effective measure is ensuring the child is always supervised while in the bathroom.

Living areas: Heights and hidden threats

Children today do not sit in one place; they run, climb and explore. 

In multi-storey Malaysian homes and apartments, gravity becomes a major enemy.

To protect children on the move, install safety gates at both the top and bottom of all stairs, and ensure the area is well-lit with hand railings. 

For windows and balconies, grills must be installed, and the space between bars should not exceed 6cm to prevent a child’s head from slipping through. 

Never place furniture near windows or on the balcony, as this provides an easy climbing platform for curious children.

One of the most dangerous and preventable household accidents is furniture tipping over. 

You must anchor everything heavy.

Secure large bookshelves, dressers, and especially flat-screen televisions to the wall using straps or anchors. 

For lower furniture like coffee tables, cover sharp corners with soft bumpers to prevent impact injuries.

A modern threat comes from small, powerful button batteries found in remotes, keys and toys. 

If swallowed, these pose a severe, immediate chemical hazard. 

Store all loose batteries out of sight, and for toys or remotes, use strong tape or screws to secure the battery compartments so that they cannot be accessed by a child.

In the bedroom, window blinds or curtain cords present a major strangulation risk.

It is safer to opt for cordless blinds or remove them entirely. 

For infants, continue to follow safe sleep advice: place babies on their backs and keep the crib clear of pillows, loose bedding and stuffed animals to avoid suffocation hazards.

ALSO READ: Keep your child safe

Be prepared: The lifesaving steps

While prevention anchors our efforts, true preparation means having the strength to act when the worst is feared.

In the terrifying seconds between an injury and the arrival of help, you are the lifeline. 

Knowing basic first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a silent promise to your child that you will have the knowledge and power to fight for them when time is running out.

When we are prepared, the home we build with such care becomes more than just safe; it becomes a place of unshakeable hope. 

This guide ensures that should the silence ever be broken by a cry of pain, you are ready to answer not with fear, but with courage, knowledge and an unwavering love that allows our children to live and grow safely.

ALSO READ: How to make your home safe for young children

Dr Naveen Nair Gangadaran is a paediatrician at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Seremban, and committee member of the Malaysian Paediatric Association and Perinatal Society Malaysia. This is the first in a three-part series on child safety, which will be published weekly. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.