Home Safety

It's impossible to make your home accident proof.  But you can reduce everyday risks, particularly for the children involved in about 2 million home accidents every year.  Children don't know the rules yet and are just being curious.  Almost anything within reach attracts their attention, and with little ones it goes straight into the mouth. Crawl through rooms to check the safety landscape from a toddler's point of view.

• Improve air quality:

  • Adopt a smoke-free home.

  • Vacuum carpets frequently to remove allergens that trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

  • Test your home for radon gas. If levels are above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level, install a radon mitigation system. (EPA)

  • Properly ventilate rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, to prevent excessive moisture that can promote mold growth.

  • Place carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Prevent falls (Home Safety Council): 

  • Install grab bars in showers and tubs.

  • Use non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers.

  • Install stair rails.

  • Have good lighting.

  • Keep stairs in good repair.

  • Keep stairs free of clutter.

  • Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs if young children live in or visit your home.

  • Make sure stair rails, treads, and risers are built according to code.

• Prevent fire-related injuries:

  • Keep flammable objects away from the stove.

  • Install smoke alarms on every floor, including basements, and change the batteries at least once a year.

  • Make sure all cords are kept up out of reach, don't use extension cords to reach an outlet.  Many appliances such as toasters, coffeepots and deep fryers have been pulled off counters causing thousands of injuries.

• Prevent poisoning:

  • Keep medicines out of reach of children and use as directed.

  • Keep cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemicals out of reach of young children.  Consider installing cabinet locks as an extra line of defense. (American Association of Poison Control Centers) 

  • Never run lawnmowers and other combustion devices inside the garage. Always operate a safe distance from windows and doors. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

  • Have gas appliances, such as gas furnaces and water heaters, professionally installed, vented outside, and checked annually for carbon monoxide leaks.

  • Place carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and test detectors regularly if gas appliances are in the home.

  • Control rodents and insects by sealing holes and gaps in floors and walls to keep pests out and by eliminating sources of food and water. If pests are controlled in these ways, pesticide use also can be reduced. (EPA)

• Prevent lead poisoning:

  • Test your home for lead.

  • Keep children away from lead paint and dust.

  • Renovate your home safely.

• Prevent drowning:

  • Supervise young children in bathtubs. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

  • Always watch young children while they are swimming or playing in or around water. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

  • Teach your children to swim and about water and pool safety rules.

• Improve nutrition and physical activity:

  • Stock healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, for meals and snacks.

  • Watch less TV and get more physically active.

  • Maintain a regular exercise program to improve lower body strength and balance.

• Prevent the spread of germs:

  • Wash hands to prevent the spread of many illnesses.

  • Properly store and prepare foods. (Partnership for Food Safety Education)

  • Wash fresh fruits and vegetables. (Partnership for Food Safety Education)

  • Get vaccinated.

  • Use antibiotics sensibly.

• Prevent illness spread by water:

  • Know if you have a septic tank. If so, properly maintain it to prevent illness. (EPA)

  • Know if your drinking water comes from a private well. If so, test it for contaminants.

  • Take kids on bathroom breaks often when they are swimming; don't swim with diarrhea; and don't swallow pool water.

• Prevent asthma attacks:

  • Wash sheets and blankets in hot water weekly to reduce asthma triggers.

  • Keep pets out of the bedroom and vacuum carpet and floors frequently if you or a family member has allergies or asthma.

• Prevent insect bites and sunburn:

  • Use sunscreen to protect against sunburn.

  • Use an insect repellent when outside to protect against insect bites.

~CDC

For more safety checklists geared for parents, grandparents, about home playgrounds  baby products and more, go to  www.cpsc.gov.