Child Safety Locks Checklist

Your preschooler loves to open things.  It doesn’t matter what it is, they are just curious and will find a way to get into every cabinet, drawer or chest that they can find.  Of course you want to set limits with children and it is probably a good idea to move dangerous items like cleaning supplies and medications to high out of the way places. 

 

 

For the rest of the storage spaces that cannot be moved you may want to think about installing locks. 

At the same time you want to be sure that you never install a locking device on something that risks your child being locked in to.  For instance a refrigerator, freezer or dryer. In a clever game of hide and seek one child might close another child in one of these spaces which could turn out to be deadly.

 

Why the TV and Other Appliances Can be So Dangerous

When children are just learning to walk they pull up on everything.  As they grow and become steadier they will start pulling on everything and climbing anything that stands still.  For this reason furniture, electronics and appliances should be secured to the walls to avoid tipping.  There are even appliance locks that secure the refrigerator or stove door so a child can mistakenly tip it over. 

 

Door Locks & Child Proof Door Knobs Can Prevent Injury

Door locks and door knob covers are also a convenient tool for parents.  While they make it very difficult for small hands to use, most adults can use them quite easily.  The covers fit over the knobs and require a certain amount of pressure to open.  This can keep kids out of utility closets, bathrooms, the garage or any other area you don’t want them playing in.  Another use for these devices is to block off entry to pool areas.  You do not want to make sure that they are easy enough to use in case of an emergency. 

 

Don’t Forget to Safeguard the Stove by Installing  Stove Locks

Your child watching you cook and turning knobs on and off will easily figure out how to turn on and off the stove.  Purchasing locks to keep the knobs from turning for both your stove and grill can reduce the risk of burns, fire or a gas leak.