Manchester, New Hampshire – A break in school routines is creating a critical window for preventable child injuries across New Hampshire, especially inside homes where supervision can lapse in a matter of seconds.
According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the American Academy of Pediatrics, incidents involving unsecured firearms, water hazards, and access to dangerous household items tend to increase when children are home more often or visiting unfamiliar environments during spring break.
Across Manchester and southern New Hampshire, officials are urging families to take immediate safety steps. Unsecured firearms remain one of the most serious risks. Experts emphasize storing firearms locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition, with keys or access codes kept out of reach.
Water safety is also a concern, even this time of year. Indoor pools, hotel stays, and hot tubs present real danger. A child can drown in as little as 20 seconds, often without sound, making constant, uninterrupted supervision essential.
Changes in daily routines can also lead to short gaps in attention. Simple moments like unloading a vehicle or stepping into another room can give children access to medications, alcohol, or other hazards.
Parents are encouraged to ask about safety conditions in homes their children visit, including firearm storage and pool access, as social visits increase during the break.
These risks will remain elevated through the spring break period, with officials warning that small precautions now can prevent devastating outcomes.
