How Childproof is your Home?

Children are curious and like to play, so it is up to the adults around them to make sure they can play safely around the home.

Want to make sure that your house is child safe? Try this. Get down on your hands and knees and have a good look around from a child's perspective. Think like a child - be curious and look for things which might capture a child's interest. You'll be surprised at how every room in your home offers potential danger to an adventurous child.

You can childproof your home and eliminate some hidden hazards if you:

• Secure electrical cords and cover unused electrical outlets with safety plugs that snap into the outlets.
• Keep fans and other appliances up high, out of children's reach.
• Lock up tools, knives, weapons and household implements.
• Safely store all toxic chemicals and drugs - paint, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, medicines.
• Make sure that any houseplants within reach are safe to touch or eat.
• Keep childproof lids on garbage and recycling material containers.
• Put plastic bags or re-sealable containers in a safe place.
• Secure laundry hampers and cupboards.
• Lock outside doors and use safety gates on stairs.
• Set your home's water heater temperature at no more than 120 degrees to prevent scalds and burns.
• Don't position furniture or anything that can be climbed upon near windows; also install window safety devices and adjust them so they cannot open more than 100 millimetres (4 inches).