Make Your Home Safe for Children
Here are some tips to make your home a safer place for you and your family:
- Put in window guards to prevent falls.
- Keep cords from curtains, drapes and blinds out of reach.
- Cover unused electrical outlets with childproof plug protectors.
- Store plastic bags where your kids cannot get to them.
- Place cleaners, chemicals and cosmetics out of reach.
- Put childproof safety latches or locks on all cabinets and drawers.
- Place electrical cords out of reach.
- Set the hot water heater at no more than 120° F.
In Your Kitchen
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove when cooking.
- Keep matches, knives and other sharp objects out of reach.
- Post the phone number for your provider and the poison control center.
In the Living or Family Room
- Cover sharp-edged furniture, such as coffee tables, with corner and edge bumpers.
- Place plants where children cannot reach them.
In Your Child’s Bedroom
- Use a crib with a tight-fitting mattress and slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
- Remove extra items from your baby’s crib when he or she is able to push up on his or her hands and knees. Remove items like toys, pillows and stuffed animals. Your baby could use those items to step on and climb out of the crib.
In the Bathroom
- Make sure all medications have childproof caps.
- Store medications in their original containers.
- Unplug appliances, such as hair dryers, when you’re not using them. Keep them out of reach.