In every home, children are exposed to a number of dangers that often go unnoticed by adults. Even though parents and guardians do their best to protect their children, it is important that they do their best to make the home environment the safest environment possible, no matter the age of the child.
Below are some quick topics that can help you decide what strategies you can you use to protect the children in your home.
- Attach safety catches to drawers, doors and cabinets that hold dangerous items such as knives, chemicals and medications.
- Install smoke alarms in every room of the house. Develop fire escape methods and instruct children on how to follow them in the case of an emergency.
- Replace blinds that have parts that are choking hazards with those that do not. Long, looped cords can be cut and replaced with tassels.
- Door knob covers and safety gates are a must to keep children from roaming into dangerous spaces, onto stairs or out of the adult's line of sight. Pressure gates are less effective than attached gates, and gates with large openings can be a danger to small children if their heads can fit through them.
- Latches and safety guards and safety netting can be used on windows, balconies, patios and decks to prevent falling. Make sure that at least one window of a child's bedroom is operable in case of a fire.
- All sharp or rough corners and edges of doors, walls and furniture should be covered to prevent injury. Corner guards are inexpensive and can match the decor of almost any home.