Preventing Home Injury

While nothing can replace adult supervision, there are several steps parents and caregivers can take to eliminate dangers and make the home a safer environment for children. Among them are two steps everyone can take to protect children at home.

First, childproof your home. The best way to find dangers your child might encounter is to explore your home at her level - by getting down on your hands and knees. Cover every room, asking yourself what looks tempting and what is within reach (between the floor and about 40 inches above). Also, check carpets for buried dangers like pins or coins. Second, understand that childproofing can never be 100 percent effective. That's why it's so important to supervise your children at all times, especially around water, in the kitchen and bathroom, and wherever known hazards exist.