- General home safety
- Kitchen safety
- Living room safety
- Child’s bedroom safety
- Bathroom safety
Home safety tips
When you have young children, you start to see your home in a new way. Things that are safe for adults can be risky for kids. You do not need to change everything, but some simple steps can help keep your family safe.
General home safety
- Windows: Use window guards to help stop falls upstairs.
- Cords: Keep cords from curtains and blinds where kids can’t get them.
- Outlets: Cover unused outlets with safety covers.
- Plastic bags: Keep plastic bags where kids can’t get them.
- Cleaning products: Lock cleaning products in a high cabinet.
- Cabinets: Use child locks on cabinets and drawers with unsafe things.
- Power cords: Keep cords behind furniture and away from play areas.
- Water heater: Set it to a lower setting.
- Smoke and CO alarms: Put alarms on every floor and test them often.
- Fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher where you can reach it and learn how to use it.
- Heavy furniture: Attach it to the wall so it cannot fall over.
- Stairs: Put safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
Kitchen safety
- Pot handles: Turn handles toward the back of the stove.
- Sharp things: Keep knives, matches and sharp tools locked away.
- Important phone numbers: Post them where you can see them.
- Child locks: Use child locks on the oven and dishwasher.
- Trash: Keep the trash and recycle bin in a locked cabinet.
Living room safety
- Sharp corners: Cover sharp corners on tables and other furniture.
- Fireplace: Put a safety guard in front of the fireplace.
- Small items: Keep coins, buttons and small toys out of kids’ reach.
Child's bedroom safety
- Crib: Make sure the crib mattress fits tight and the slats are close together.
- Crib items: Remove extra blankets, pillows and toys once your baby starts moving.
- Changing table: Use the safety strap and never leave your baby alone.
- Toys: Choose toys for the right age and check for loose or sharp parts.
Bathroom safety
- Medicine: Use safety caps and keep medicines locked up and out of reach.
- Appliances: Unplug items like hair dryers when not in use.
- Non-slip mats: Use non-slip mats in the tub and on the bathroom floor.