Children are curious. Everything is new to them and they explore their world by touching and tasting. A very small child doesn't know not to put anything within reach into its mouth, or that sticking a tiny finger in a light socket is dangerous. It's up to you to make your home safe for your child.
Blinds
Children can choke on blind cords. The Home Safety Council recommends you cut blind cords so they can't form loops. Then tuck the cords up high, out of the reach of small children. Position cribs out of reach of blinds.
Electrical
Install outlet covers or plugs on unused outlets. Move cords out of the way of children. Don't leave cords dangling off countertops or tables, where children could pull appliances off on top of themselves.
Fire
Put matches and lighters out of reach of children. If you burn candles, make sure they're out of reach of children and are not where they could be knocked over by a running child. Don't leave candles burning unsupervised. Set up screens around radiators, space heaters or fireplaces to keep children away.
Furniture
The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends using metal angle braces to secure large, heavy pieces of furniture such as bookcases and dressers, to the wall. Children sometimes try to climb these items and can pull them over on themselves.
Poisons
Put cleaners, medications, alcoholic beverages, insecticides and other poisons out of reach of children--preferably in a locked cabinet. Make sure all these items are properly labeled with the contents. Post the number for the poison control center --1-800-222-1222--near the telephone in your home.
Stairs
Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.The gates should have a latch strong enough that a child can't pull them open.
Water
Set your water heater to 120 degrees or lower to prevent small children from being scalded if they turn on the hot water. If you have a pool or hot tub, install a fence all the way around it with a locking gate. Don't leave small children in the bath unattended.
Windows
Children can fall out of upper story windows. Install safety latches or stops on these windows--but practice removing them so that you can do so quickly in case of fire.
