Throughout the Home

• Secure dressers (even short ones), televisions, bookcases & other tip-prone furniture to the wall with furniture straps (For more information about furniture straps, including how to get them, contact Charlie's House)
  
• Install safety gates at the top & bottom of stairs
• Fix loose floor coverings & replace flammable rugs
• Block off any railing a child could climb over
• Plug in electrical outlet covers/safety caps
• Test smoke alarms & change batteries every 6 months
• Install window blind cord wind-ups
• Place corner protectors on sharp furniture corners
• Shorten cords on appliances that could be pulled down
• Use door knob covers
• Remove any sharp toys
• Find & remove choking hazards – anything that can fit inside a toilet paper roll
• Remove any poisonous plants
• Cover all trash containers securely
• Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone
• Plan & practice your emergency evacuation plans
• If you smoke, use large, deep ashtrays & empty ashes in a metal container
• Provide a childproof enclosure for pets
  

Kitchen

• Purchase a fire extinguisher & store in kitchen
• Secure & store poisons (cleaning products) up high
• Firmly affix stove to the wall or floor
• Place knives & matches out of children’s reach
• Lock/latch cabinets that children should not get into
• Apply stove & burner covers – use back burners first
• Never carry hot liquids or food near a child or while holding a child

Bathroom

• Lock away all medications, toiletries, cosmetics, razor blades & any other hazardous items
  
• Use slip resistant mats in the bathtub & on the floor
• Store away electrical appliances when not in use
• Cover the water taps
• Set hot water heater to below 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Be sure to test the bath water temperature before placing a child in the bath
• Use a toilet lock
• Children six & under should always be supervised in the tub
  

Nursery

• Move the crib away from any windows
• Ensure that crib rails are less than 2 3/8 inches apart & that there are no gaps between the crib & mattress
• Do not hang items above the crib (mobiles, etc.) or place items in the crib (stuffed animals, etc.)
• Place all products for changing baby within reach
• Secure strap to dresser if using a changing table pad
• Use safety straps to keep the baby in place while on a changing table
• Keep books & toys down low where children can reach them without climbing

 

The mission of Charlie’s House is to prevent injuries to children in and around the home. For more information about any of these items, including where to find solutions, please contact us.