10 Ways to a Child-Proof Home

(To listen to the podcast version, click here.)

Lots of perils that can injure children are lurking in our homes. Here are some tips to help make your home safer:

1. Put safety stops on all cabinet doors and drawers. Knobs should be too large for children to swallow.

2. Store chemicals, cleaners, medicines and liquor in upper cabinets — locked and out of sight.

3. Provide safe storage for sharp objects such as knives and scissors.

4. Cover over sharp corners on counters, tables and hearths.

5. Place all electrical outlets, especially those near water, on a ground fault circuit interrupter (it instantly shuts off electricity if there’s any leakage of current).

6. Keep cords for draperies and mini-blinds out of reach.

7. Buy hardware that limits how far windows can be opened.

8. Set water temperature at no more than 120˚.

9. Install hardware on the bathroom door that can be unlocked from either side.

10. Install windows and mirrors with protective film that prevents shards from flying when broken.