Things You Can Do

Childproof Your House
Your house can be safer with a few changes. For more information, visit www.safekids.org.
• Cover electrical outlets with safety plugs.
• Put safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Put safety guards on windows and balconies.
• Secure throw rugs to the floor and tall furniture to the wall.
• Make sure heaters and vents can’t burn a child.
• Install smoke alarms and check them often.
• Keep small objects, sharp tools and plastic bags out of reach.
• Keep houseplants out of reach—many are poisonous.
• Lead paint in old homes can harm children. Call Lead Hotline.
• Drowning is a major cause of death in young children. A child can drown in a few inches of water. Never leave children alone near a pool or tub of water or in a bathroom. Keep pools fenced and their gates locked.

Poisoning
• If your child puts medicine or something else that might be poisonous in his mouth, try to get it out. Call Poison Action Line right away.
• Call 9-1-1 if your child is unconscious, is having trouble breathing or is having convulsions.
• Save the container so you can explain what was swallowed. Give your child’s height and weight.
• Never make your child vomit unless a poison expert tells you to do so.
• If your child touches or breathes something harmful, like pesticides, rinse his skin or eyes with water and call Poison Action Line.

Pets and Children
Never leave babies or toddlers alone with a pet. If you have a dog, make sure it is trained so you can control it around children. Teach preschoolers when to leave pets alone and how to treat them gently. And teach children to ask the owner before they pet a strange animal.

Gun Safety
The safest home is one without a gun. If you do have a gun, lock the unloaded gun in one place and the ammunition in another place. Make sure to use a safety lock on the gun. Ask if guns are present in places where your child spends time, such as child care or relatives’ homes.