Home Child Safety Checklist

You might as well just face it -  every room in your home poses some hazard to your child. The basics are easy and can become second nature if you just know what to look for in each room. The kitchen offers many dangerous hot spots. Turning pot handles toward the back of the stove and using sturdy latches for your cabinets and drawers can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Begin early teaching your children about the potential dangers of stoves, dryers, refrigerators and dish washers.

Anything that your child eats or uses to eat with should be stored away from all appliances. This way when they just can’t wait for you and try to get something themselves they are less likely to be injured. High chairs also pose a threat. Use the straps when you place your baby in the high chair and always stay with them. If not, they probably will try to climb out and end up falling on the floor.

Common Hazards in the Living Room

The cozy fireplace or decorative scatter rugs in the living room are also dangerous for your child. All fire sources should be quarantined using a screen or guard. This is also true if you use any type of space heater.

Rugs can easily be tacked down to the floor to prevent hazardous slips and falls. If you have stairs in your home, never place items there that will spark the curiosity of a young mind and periodically check the railing to ensure they haven’t become loose.

Helpful Tip to Keep the Nursery Safe!

No doubt your child will spend a lot of time in their room or play room. This room should definitely be free of electrical hazard and should have a working smoke detector installed. Make it a rule of thumb to not use heating pads or electric blankets for your children as they can be extremely dangerous. When you put your infant to sleep at night, tuck them snuggly in their crib but insist that they are on their back.

Keep the Funniest Room in the House, one of the Safest Too!

The bathroom is a place that most kids find fun to play in. This means that medications, cleaning products and other hygienic necessities are fair game. Keep medications and cleaning supplies stored out of reach and preferably locked up. If you have any old medications flush them down the toilet to prevent accidental ingestion.

One thing to always keep on hand in case of accidental poisoning is syrup of Ipecac. Keep it right next to your well stocked and easily available first aid kit. This way you know you are always prepared.

Before You Let Your Kids Play in the Garage, Read This Info

The garage may be an optimal choice to play in when the weather outside is too cold or wet. Think about all the hazardous materials stored in the average garage. Lighter fluid, charcoal lighter, paint thinner, antifreeze, paint, and turpentine are just a few. Keep all these things sealed tightly in their original containers and out of the path of your children.

They will get into them. If you have flammable liquids make sure they are not next to your water heater with a pilot light. If you have a gun make sure that both the gun and the ammunition are stored separately and locked up where a child can not accidentally stumble upon them.

Don’t Forget to Inspect the Outdoors for Safety Hazards

Even outside the house in the yard you must remain diligent looking for dangers. Check the stability of porch railings, safeguard swimming pools and make sure that playground equipment is anchored securely. One exposed bolt can rip through your child’s skin. As you travel take the time to install your car seats correctly and always have your children sit in the back seat.

The bottom line is that your environment whether it be your home or your neighborhood should be looked at from the perspective of your child. This may mean getting down on hands and knees or it may mean taking a stroll through a neighbor’s yard. Whichever, the best defense you have is to find the potential for danger before your child does.

Always Talk Openly About Safety Limits and Boundaries

Review rules with your kids regularly, map out fire plans and practice these things as a family. Never think that there is something your kid won’t do or try, because chances are they will. If you talk openly about safety, limits and boundaries your children will be able to make wise decisions and keep themselves safe throughout their life.