Safety Precautions for Children

There are lots of things parents can do to make homes safe for children. You might like to use the ideas here as a check list that you can go through to make sure your home is safe.

General

• Matches, lighters and candles must be kept out of the reach of children.
• Install window opening restrictors.
• Install a smoke detector on each floor, and test them monthly.
• Ensure that doors and low-level windows have safety glass or film installed.
• Unplug appliances that children could trip over.
• Ensure floor finishes are non-slip and securely fitted, especially in the kitchen, bathroom and on the stairs.
• Put plug guards into sockets so children can’t stick things into the holes.
• Put fire guards around open fires and heaters.
• Teach children to tidy their toys away after they have finished playing with them. Toys can be a trip hazard, especially on stairs.

Kitchen

• Have a well-equipped first aid kit in the house.
• Use a secure medicine store.
• Household cleaning chemicals should be stored in a secure place.
• Use a short or curly flex on your kettle, or preferably use a cordless kettle. Make sure there are no trailing flexes.
• Keep children out of the kitchen during cooking. A safety gate can be fitted in the kitchen doorway.
• Keep children away from the iron while it is still in use or hot.
• Keep sharp knives and scissors out of reach.
• Turn panhandles in, and well clear of hotplates.
• Keep hot meals or drinks out of reach of children.
• Make sure that the tablecloth does not overhang the table.
• Keep alcohol out of the reach of children.

Stairs

• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs and at kitchen doorways.
• Ensure there is sufficient lighting in hallways, stairs and landings.
• Check that spacing between stair banisters does not exceed 100mm.

Bathroom

• Check the bath water temperature before children get in, and always run the cold water first before adding the hot.
• Use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower.
• Children must be supervised in the bathroom at all times.

Bedroom

• Keep furniture away from the windows, to prevent children climbing up and falling out of open windows.
• Fit safety bars and a secure ladder to bunk beds.
• Ensure cosmetics, perfumes and aftershaves are out of reach.

Garden

• All garden/DIY chemicals should be stored in the correct containers, clearly labelled and in a lockable garage or shed.
• Keep garden/DIY tools tidied away and stored in a lockable garage or shed.
• Ensure garden play equipment is secured, well-maintained, and sited on a soft surface.
• Keep children away from the greenhouse or cold frame.
• Ensure all fences are secure, to prevent children wandering onto the road or into a neighbour’s garden.
• Check for any poisonous plants or berries in your garden.
• Supervise children in the paddling pool and near any garden ponds.