Keeping Kids Safe

Childproofing Your Home

The absolute best tip for childproofing your home is to look at your home from your child's perspective. Get down on your hands and knees and look around for both obvious and hidden dangers. If you don't find them, your child may! Following are some additional tips for making your home "childproof" (also check out our general home safety tips).

In the Kitchen:

• Never allow your child in the kitchen unsupervised.
• Turn all pot/pan handles inward on the stove.
• Secure oven door with an appliance latch.
• Install knob covers over stove knobs.

In the Bathroom:

• Never leave your child unsupervised in the tub.
• Place a rubber, non-skid bathmat in the tub.
• Secure the toilet lid with a toilet latch.

Around the House:

• Cover all unused electrical outlets with plastic covers.
• Keep all appliance and lamp cords hidden and in good repair.
• Secure all unstable or top-heavy furniture to the wall (i.e., dressers, bookshelves, etc.).
• Use doorstops and door holders to keep children from pinching their fingers.
• Install a fireplace grill and keep it in place while fireplace is in use.
• Keep all cleaning supplies, medication and other chemicals out of the reach of children and stored in locked cabinets.

Also learn about:

• Motor Vehicle Safety
• Firearms Safety
• Fire Safety
• Poison Prevention
• Age-specific Safety Tips

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