Tips for Childproofing Your Home

You want to make sure your house is a safe place for your kids. Here are some quick tips to keep your kids out of harm’s way while they are home.

1.     Keep Hazardous Items out of Reach

Make sure your kids can’t get into things you know could hurt them. Use the back burners when cooking, and turn the pan handles toward the back of the stove. Keep cleaning chemicals and medicine out of reach and securely locked up, and be cautious with styling tools like curling irons and electric razors; don’t leave them out on the counter just because you are feeling rushed in the morning. Even if you live in the safest neighborhood in Canada, gun safes are a must if you own firearms and have children. It is also a good idea to lock up power tools and kitchen appliances.

2.     Anchor Large and Heavy Items

Make sure heavy items like bookcases and dressers are anchored to your walls so they can’t be knocked over by a little kid bouncing around the house. Mounting your television securely to the wall is a good way to make sure it can’t fall down on top of someone. Be careful about putting heavy items like toolboxes up high. You want the tools out of reach, but you don’t want your kid to pull the box down on top of themselves.

3.     Block off Dangerous Areas

Even if you are very vigilant, your kids will probably be out of your sight sometimes. By blocking off dangerous areas, you can ensure they can’t get in too much trouble. When your kids are very little, block access to the fireplace and make sure the stairs are inaccessible with a baby gate. When they get a little older, make sure the doors to your garage and to outside of your house are locked or have childproof handles.

4.     Check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, but it can be dangerous for your whole family. You probably already have a smoke detector that also detects carbon monoxide, but make sure it is in working order. The most common problem is old batteries so put fresh ones in, especially if you have just moved into a new home.

5.     Eliminate Choking Hazards

Kids explore the world with their mouths, so choking hazards are particularly dangerous to small children. Take care of the obvious stuff like coins, small magnets, Legos, and keys, but don’t forget other hazards like crayons, which could be broken in to smaller pieces, or the cord on the blinds, which could get wrapped around someone’s neck. One way to make sure you don’t miss anything is to get down on your kid’s level. Look at things from their perspective. From your new vantage point, it will be easier to notice things under the sofa that might attract your kid’s attention.

Your children are precious, but they can also be pretty sneaky. Follow these five tips to keep them safe at home, even when you aren’t watching.

Author Byline

Michael David is a freelance blogger who writes about home improvement and health related topics. For more tips on home safety, check out Safeworld.