Homes are designed and built for adult use and comfort, so their heights, spaces and structures can very often present hazards to children. By looking at your home from the eye level of your young child, you can understand better how some very simple alterations can help the most vulnerable members of your family explore more safely.
Here are some ideas:
• Have an electrical safety switch (circuit breaker) installed to prevent electrocution, as well as, safety plugs fitted in unused power points.
• Have a fire protection system (smoke alarms and fire extinguisher).
• Lock your medicine cupboard and put child-resistant locks on the oven and fridge doors, toilet or bathroom door and on cupboard doors or drawers where dangerous household goods are kept (e.g. cleaning products).
• Install barrier gates on stairs, steps and changes in floor levels to prevent falls.