Safety Checklist for Home Hazards

A parent's job is to keep his kid safe.

Keeping your home safe is one of the most important duties of a parent or caregiver. Household accidents most often can be prevented by following simple safety guidelines. Checklists for safety practices can help a parent--whether veteran or first time parent--feel confident that they've covered all the major household dangers their children could face.

Household Repair

Ensure all heavy items such as televisions, bookshelves or freestanding cabinets are secured to prevent falling and crushing injuries. Steps and stairs and railings need to be in good condition and carpeting needs to be flat and secured to prevent tripping.

Working Safety Alarms

Check that your smoke alarms have working batteries. One should be located in every room, as close to the ceiling as possible. Ensure that everyone in the house old enough to understand knows what to do when the alarms sound. Also consider a carbon monoxide alarm, especially if you use natural gas.

Secured Cabinets and Weapons

Put latches or locks on all cabinets that contain poisonous chemicals, on drawers that hold knives and on any storage facility that houses weapons such as guns. Place latches on doors above small children's reaches so that they cannot open doors to basements, attics, or garages. Only stock non-injurious items such as plastic bowls or cups in cabinets children can reach.

Medications Secured

Medications should be clearly labeled in their original containers and kept out of reach of children. The medications should be used only for the indicated conditions. All old or expired medications should be properly disposed of by placing in the trash out of reach of children. Remove any identifying information from the medication package such as your name and telephone number. Glass medication bottles should be placed in cardboard boxes and sealed shut with strong tape. Do not toss your old medication down the toilet as this has been linked to the drugs finding their way into the drinking water system.

Appliance Safety

Check all cords on electrical equipment and appliances routinely. Ensure that all wires are undamaged and that the prongs are not bent. Cover all outlets with safety devices to prevent children from being electrocuted. Appliances that are potentially dangerous such as food processors or power towels need to be unplugged and kept out of the reach of children.

References

• Whole-House Safety Checklist By Al Ubell and Label Shulman
• BabyCenter.com: Baby Safety at Home