Here are 12 tips to keep your child safe.
1. Use safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to prevent poisoning and other injuries.
2. Use safety gates to prevent falls down stairs and to keep children away from dangerous areas. Gates that screw into the wall are more secure than pressure gates. Safety gates that meet safety standards will display a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
3. Use door knob covers and door locks to keep children away from places with hazards, including swimming pools.
4. Use anti-scald devives for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns.
5. Place smoke detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms to alert you of fires. Check them once a month to be sure they are working.
6. Use window guards and safety netting to prevent falls from windows, balconies, deks and landings.
7. Use corner and edge bumpers to prevent injury from falls against sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces.
8. Use outlet covers and outlet plates. Be sure they cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough that children cannot choke on them.
9. Use a carbon monoxide detector outside of bedrooms to prevent CO poisoning, especially if your home has gas or oil heat or an attached garage.
10. Cut window blind cords, use safety tassels and inner cord stops to prevent stragulation. You can get window blind cord safety information and free tassels at www.windowcoverings.org
11. Use door stops and door holders to prevent injuries to fingers and hands.
12. Use a cordless phone to make it easier to continuously watch young children.