PARENTS: BE SAFETY SMART IN AND AROUND THE HOME
Whether your family lives in a house, mobile home, or apartment, it is important to keep yourself and your children safe. Learn how to make your home safe for everyone.
- Store all cleaners, perfumes, hair care products, alcoholic beverages, medicines, and other poisons in original containers and out of reach. Dispose of all old and unused medicines. Some plants, like the tomato vine, iris, and poinsettias, are poisonous and should be kept out of a child?s reach. In case of a poisoning emergency, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in or near every sleeping area and on each level of your home, including the garage and basement. Check smoke detectors monthly and change
batteries twice a year.
- Make a family fire escape plan with two ways out of each room and a safe meeting place outside. Practice your plan at least twice a year and make sure everyone can safely get out of the home.
- Lock up matches and lighters. Soak cigarettes in water before throwing them away.
- Unplug and store electrical appliances away from water. Replace broken or frayed electrical cords. Do not overload outlets. Use plain safety plugs in unused outlets.
- Keep appliances free of grease and crumbs. Turn pan handles toward the center of the stove, counter, or table. Never leave food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended.
- Use a bath thermometer to check that tub water is comfortably warm to the touch, 96-100F, before putting your child in it. Set the water heater to no higher than 120F.
- Never leave your child alone in the bathroom or kitchen. Take him with you to respond to a distraction.
- Never leave your child unsupervised around water. Use at least a four-foot tall fence with a lock to isolate your pool or hot tub from children. Empty water from buckets, bathtubs, pet bowls, and wading pools after each use.
- Teach children not to touch guns. Unload and lock up guns. Lock up bullets and store separately from guns.
- Clear stairways of clutter. Use a gate at the top and bottom of the stairway to prevent falls.
- Read labels to help you buy toys that are non-toxic, fire resistant, and age-appropriate. Toys that can
fit into a cardboard toilet paper roll are too small for young children. Throw away toys that have sharp, broken, or missing pieces.
- Post emergency numbers by each telephone. Teach your child when to call for help and what to say.
Related Documents
Children's Printable Version - English
Children's Printable Version - Spanish Version
Parent's Printable Version - English
Parent's Printable Version - Spanish Version
Key To A Safe Home
[Keywords: home safety]
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