1. Think About the Bathroom
Depending on the person you're installing safety devices in a home to prevent injuries for, you may have to install bars around the toilet, shower and bathtub. Get these bars professionally installed since they may have to support an adult's weight and you don't want them poorly installed. You'll also want to make sure rugs have non-slip backings, and you've locked chemicals out of a child's reach. If you have young children, make sure you install toilet locks on the toilet to prevent drowning. If you want to keep children out of the bathroom, keep the door closed and locked.
2. Secure the Kitchen
In your kitchen, you'll want to install locks and safety devices on cabinets. You also may want to consider putting chemicals out of the reach of children. You should also consider installing safety gates in the entryways of kitchens to keep children out. Install devices on the refrigerator and oven to keep children out. You'll also want to put knob covers over the knobs on your oven so children can't accidentally turn the oven on.
3. Watch Your Windows
Too many children fall out of windows, and bones can be broken with even a one-story fall. Screens do not prevent falling, so install window guards (bars) to keep children from falling out of the window. If you don't want to use window guards, put a window stopper on windows; these allow you to open a window only 4 inches. That way you can open your windows, but your child can't fall or climb out. You should also put netting on balconies, decks and landings to prevent children from falling between slats, throwing things between the slates or getting parts of their bodies caught between the slats.
4. Install and Check Fire Safety Equipment
Make sure you've installed smoke detectors on each floor of your house, and preferably in each room. Test your smoke detectors twice yearly (when you change your clocks) to make sure they still work. It's also important you replace any batteries in beeping smoke detectors. You should also install ladders in multi-story homes and know how to use them. And every home should have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and in the garage.
