The safety of family, home and belongings is critical to all of us. Being prepared and alert can save time, injury and possibly your life. Here are some things to do to help keep your family safe around your home:
- Store medications and small items such as jewelry and coins where toddlers can’t reach. Be alert for items that would stick in a child’s throat.
- Lock unloaded guns in a secure place and store guns and bullets in separate places. Do not let children see where the gun or bullets are hidden.
- Put razors, cosmetics and other health and beauty items out of reach.
- Do not leave hair dryers, curling irons or other grooming appliances out after use.
- Install child safety latches on cabinets and drawers.
- Do not store prescription drugs under the sink in your bathroom. Find a cool, dry spot in the house that is out of the reach of children and check for childproof safety caps for medication.
- Set your water heater temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent burns.
- Turn pot handles away from the edge of the stove.
- Store cleaners and chemicals in their original containers and in places where children can’t get to them. Never store them under the sink, even if protected by safety latches.
- Keep knives and other sharp objects out of children’s reach.
- Tuck away cords of electrical appliances so that small children cannot grab them.
- Replace electrical cords that are frayed, cracked or that become hot. Do not overload outlets and extension cords. Never run electrical cords under rugs.
- Put safety caps in all unused electrical outlets.
- Place house plants out of reach of children. Some are poisonous if eaten and plants in heavy pots could injure your child in knocked over.
- Secure bookcases to the walls to prevent toddlers from pulling them over.
- Keep tools and garden chemicals out of children’s reach.
For more information, visit the National Safe Kids campaign website www.safekids.org and the National Safety Council website www.nsc.org. |
