Home Safety Checklist for Preschoolers

A parent’s top priority is keeping his or her children safe. Toddlers and preschool age children spend much of their time in the house, so it’s essential that parents safeguard the home to prevent injuries and accidents. Follow this room-by-room checklist to keep small children out of harm’s way.

Bathroom

• Set your hot water heater to 125 degrees. Most hot water heaters are pre-set at 140 degrees, which could burn a child in less than three seconds.
• Keep all medications and vitamins out of sight and out of reach of small children.

Bedroom

• To prevent falls, position beds and dressers away from windows. Lock windows or use window guards to limit how far the window will open.
• Ensure that cords for window blinds are out of reach, as this can pose a strangulation threat.
• Mount heavy furniture to the wall so that it won’t tip over should a child climb on it.
• Make sure there is a working smoke alarm in or near children’s bedrooms.

Living Room

• Place breakable items on high shelves.
• Only allow your child to play with age-appropriate toys. Check toys for small or loose parts that are a choking hazard.
• Install anti-tipping devices on televisions and bookcases.
• Use table guards to cover sharp corners.
• Block access to the fireplace with a gate or barrier. Keep fireplace tools and accessories out of reach.

Kitchen

• Keep hot food and liquids pushed back on the counter and out of reach from children.
• When cooking on the stove, turn pot handles toward the back of the stove or use the back burners.
• Place knives, scissors, and other sharp objects out of reach of children.
• Remove small magnets from the refrigerator.

Laundry Room

• Keep laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies out of sight and reach. Store them in original containers to easily access ingredients if accidentally ingested.
• Store the iron out of reach, especially immediately after use.

In addition to these room-specific tips, outlet covers, doorknob covers, baby gates, and cabinet locks should be used throughout the house as needed. Stay safe!