Danger Detective Checklist

Everyday, life is full of dangers for children: sharp objects, shaky furniture, reachable hot water faucets, hot pots on hot stoves, hot tubs, swimming pools and busy streets. By adulthood, we've learned to navigate this minefield so well that we forget that things like scissors and stoves are hazards.

Accidents in the home cause more than 37% of deaths in children between the ages of one and four. Most accidents are avoidable and most are caused by a chain of events rather than a single occurrence. The chances of an accident happening are increased ...

To protect your child from the dangers in and out of your home, try to see the world as she does. Remember that she cannot yet distinguish hot from cold or sharp from dull.

Danger Changers Checklist

Prevent Accidents	Fix the Hazards

Poisoning
	Keep all medicines & chemicals in original containers with safety lids. Add safety latches to cabinets with medicines & chemicals. Have syrup of ipecac on hand but use only if advised by a doctor. Remove poisonous plants. Refrigerate food. Dispose of old food. Post the phone number if needed for your local Poison Control Center by every phone.
Suffocation
	Keep toilet lids down & latched with lid-locks. Fence pools and spas; keep locked when not in use. Supervise bath time. Keep plastic bags & small objects out of reach. Install safety tassels on mini blinds and curtains or tie up cords with cord cleat.
Burns & Fire
	Inspect furnaces, fireplaces & gas appliances annually. Change smoke alarm batteries twice a year. Install anti-scald devices on bath and sink. Set water heater temperature below 120° F. Install stove guards. Replace emergency candles with flashlights. Replace open coil space heaters with liquid flow models.
Electrocution
	Add safety covers to electrical outlets. Install GFCI outlets near sources of water. Replace worn electrical cords. Hide electronic cords behind furniture or under rugs.
Cuts & Trauma
	Put all sharp knives and tools out of reach. Always close scissors. Add safety latches to drawers containing sharp tools. Keep breakables in closed cabinets. Lock up guns and ammunition.
Bumps & Broken Bones
	Bolt heavy shelves and furniture to wall. Add non-skid strips to bath tub and rugs. Put heavy items on bottom shelves. Install safety gates at stairways. Install safety latches on windows.
Asthma Episodes
	Wash blankets, furniture covers & stuffed toys often. Regularly clean carpets and fabric surfaces to remove dust and mold. Keep pets out of bedrooms and off of furniture.

American Academy of Pediatrics- Resources and information for parents and professionals who are committed to the attainment of the physical, mental, and social health and well-being for infants, children, and young adults.

Medem's Medical Library- Provides reliable healthcare information from medical societies and other trusted sources. Home safety links include:

National Safekids Campaign- Features safety tips and resources for families and care providers to prevent unintentional childhood injury.

Poison Control Center- Use this link to find your local Poison Control Center phone number and read more about poisoning prevention.

National Red Cross- Access health and safety information and services for the home, find your local Red Cross chapter, and much more!

KidsHealth.org- KidsHealth features games and animations and information for parents and children of all ages on infections, behavior & emotions, food & fitness, and growing up healthy.

California Poison Control System- A family friendly website with activities for children, information about home safety, poisonous plants, and first aid and much, much more!

Become A Danger Detective

Protect your child from accidents in the home

Danger Changers Checklist

Links for Living