Local children's centres have teamed up to help reduce the number of childhood accidents, as new figures reveal two million youngsters are hospitalised by injuries every year.

Parents and children will this week be finding out how to stay safe at a series of events at the Six Bells, Millmead and Cliftonville Sure Start Children's Centres.

The activities coincide with Child Safety Week, which started on Monday and is run by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT).

Mums and dads will be urged to 'make time for safety' - the theme of this year’s awareness week - by taking steps to reduce the chance of children suffering burns and scalds. Children under the age of five-years-old account for nearly half of all such injuries.

CAPT says many burns and scalds can be prevented just by taking a moment to move a hot drink, check a smoke alarm or lock the medicine cabinet.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) offers free home safety visits and can install smoke alarms at no cost to local families.

Equipment such as safety gates, fire guards and locks for chemical cupboards can also be bought cheaply through 'Safe at Home' - the national home safety equipment scheme.

The initiative, which is run by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), is offered by several Thanet Sure Start Children's Centres, including the Six Bells and those in Millmead and Cliftonville

• To find your nearest Sure Start Children's Centre, visit http://childrenscentresfinder.direct.gov.uk.
• For more information about the RoSPA scheme, visit www.safeathome.rospa.com.
• To book a free home safety visit by KFRS, visit www.kent.fire-uk.org or call 0800 923 7000.

Top tips for parents:

• Check your smoke alarm is working properly or contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service or your local Sure Start Children's Centre to find out about the free smoke alarm fitting service
• Keep medicines and household chemicals locked away and out of reach of children
• Consider a stair gate if your baby is crawling or walking to help prevent falls
• Do not leave your baby unattended whilst on changing mats
• Always use a securely fitted safety harness in a pram, pushchair or highchair
• Keep floors clear of toys and obstructions that could pose a trip hazard