You’ve decided the family jalopy needs a wash. After the job is done you leave a bucket of water sitting on the back porch. Do you realize that this is an invitation to disaster if you have a young child?

Turning your back on a child and a five gallon bucket with liquid in it is as dangerous as leaving a baby alone in a bathtub or by a swimming pool.

Child development experts say that curious toddlers run the risk of drowning after hopping into a bucket because they haven’t yet developed motor skills or upper body strength. Most incidents involve toddlers between 8 and 24 months, but no small child should be left unwatched with a bucket, even for a few seconds.

Large buckets should be emptied immediately after use and stored bottom side up, out of children’s reach. Be sure to alert caregivers and family members to follow these procedures.