5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer for Children

If you have children, making your home safe for them is a top priority. There are many things you can do to child-proof your home and make it a safe haven for your little ones. Here are five ways to get started:

1. Lock Up Cleaning Supplies

Keeping all cleaning supplies, especially bleach, out of reach of children is essential to ensuring everyone’s safety. For this reason, you should never leave these items where a child can find them, no matter the age. Taking extra precautions – like locking up cabinets and containers – can help keep family members safe and give you added peace of mind.

2. Watch Out for Lead Paint

If you’re concerned about lead paint, it’s important to inspect any furniture or toys that were made before 1978. Lead paint was used up until that year and can still be found on items made during that time. Getting rid of these items can help to prevent lead poisoning, which can be very serious. The best thing you can do is identify any items in your home or the homes of family and friends that may contain lead paint and take appropriate action. Lead poisoning has very real health risks and it’s worth taking the time to ensure that children are protected from its dangers.

3. Check The Water Heater Temperature

One of the aspects of home safety that is often overlooked by parents is the importance of setting the temperature on their water heater. If a child steps into a shower or bath without their parent first verifying the temperature, they could be at risk of burning themselves due to water that has been heated too high. Setting your water heater at 120°F (48°C) is the best way to prevent scalding while still ensuring stored hot water is available when needed. Be sure to call a water heater repair specialist to come to check out your system if you have any concerns.

4. Install Safety Gates

Keeping your home safe from accidents is a top priority, and installing safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs is a great way to start. Not only are safety gates easy to install, but they can provide peace of mind for parents and other caretakers that their children or pets are safe in the house. Safety guards help to ensure that one wrong step doesn’t cause a major accident or injury. Additionally, they are designed to be taken down easily when no longer required so they won’t impede movement between rooms. Investing in some reliable safety guards for high-traffic areas such as stairways is an essential part of ensuring your family is as protected as possible from any unfortunate event.

5. Cover Electrical Outlets

Installing safety covers on electrical outlets is a simple, cost-effective way to keep children and pets from coming into contact with live electrical currents. Not only are little fingers opening outlets a common issue for families, but animals can also suffer a shock if they explore open sockets. Covers often referred to as outlet plugs, provide a protective barrier that can help protect anyone in the home from dangerous electric shocks. They are available in a variety of colors and styles, both decorative and simple, so you’re sure to find an option that suits your needs while providing peace of mind.

While you can never completely child-proof your home, taking these precautionary measures will help to create a safe environment for your kids. What other safety measures do you take in your home?

By Rachelle Wilber
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachelle-Wilber/100009221637700/