Your Home's Safety Checklist for Your Child 

We are all familiar with stories of children who were injured or killed by hazards improperly stored in their parent's home. Many of these incidents could have been prevented by simple use of child safety devices. Though no safety device is completely childproof, we all want to do what we can for the safety of our families.

Some of the family safety items that you can use to add to the safety of your children are:

Safety Latches and Locks

Place them on all cabinets and drawers. These latches and locks can help prevent your small children from gaining access to medicines, household cleaners, knives, and other sharp objects.

Safety Gates

These safety features can help keep your small children away from stairs or rooms that you know have hazards in them.

Door Knob Covers and Door Locks

Use them in your home to help keep small children away from places with hazards, including swimming pools.

Anti-Scald Devices

By regulating the temperature of faucets and showerheads, you may help prevent a children's skin burns. In addition, if you live in your own home, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors / alarms are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. By installing a smoke detector you are insuring the likelihood of your family's survival in the event of a home fire.

Windows Guards and Safety Netting

Install windows guards and safety netting on all balconies and decks to help prevent injury from serious falls.

Corner and Edge Bumpers

Corner and edge bumpers can be used on furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls or to soften falls against sharp or rough edges. Bumpers are a practical addition to any households with elderly occupants, as well as growing children.

Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates

Place outlet covers and outlet plates over unused outlets to help protect children from electrical shock or possible electrocution.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector

A Carbon Monoxide Detector will alert your family when dangerous carbon monoxide fumes are in the air.

Window Blind Cord Safety Tassels

Use window blind cord safety tassels on mini-blinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords. These items help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords.

Door Stops and Door Holders

When door stops and door holders are used on doors and door hinges, they help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed.

Cordless Phones

Cordless telephones allow you to watch your child continuously, without being tethered to a telephone cord or leaving your child to answer a phone call.

Your Child's Safety Checklist -- prepare your home with these child safety items:

• Outlet Plugs
• Cabinet and drawer Latches
• Cabinet Locks
• Stove Knob Covers
• Stove Top Shield
• Stove Lock
• Multi-Purpose Appliance Latch
• Toilet Lock
• Bath Thermometer
• Spout Cover
• Door Knob Covers
• Slip-Resistant Bath Mats
• Nursery Monitor
• Adapter and Plug Covers
• VCR Lock
• Window Blind Cord Wind Ups
• Security Gates
• Cord Shortener
• Corner Cushions
• Seat Belt Adjuster
• Roller-shade and Sunscreens
• Smoke Detectors and Batteries
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Cordless Phone