5 easy home safety tips that you might not be doing

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Before I had children, my home safety consisted of keeping my doors locked and occasionally changing the batteries on my smoke detector.

Now that I’m tasked with ensuring our entire family is safe, I’ve had to up my game. We’ve added carbon monoxide detectors to the mix and, of course, have outlet covers on all the electrical outlets.

But how else can I ensure that we stay safe?

1. Create a fire escape plan and practice with the whole family.

We all hope and pray that our house never catches on fire, but if it did, would you know what to do?  Would your kids?  I recommend having a plan in place that gets practiced quarterly so the kids don’t forget – just like at school.

2. Secure bookshelfs and dressers to the wall.

I’ve been fortunate so far as my kids aren’t climbers, but you never know when  they might decide to change their mind. I would be horrified if something fell on them due to my oversight. Accidents happen, but trying to foresee future problems will help eliminate their likelihood.

3. Lock and bolt doors and windows.

This isn’t just to keep people out, but to keep the kids in.  I’ve had several friends who have had children walk out the front door because the dead bolt wasn’t locked. You never know what day your child will be tall enough or strong enough to break the door knob safety lock or open your door.

4. Secure cleaning supplies and medicine.

Basic child cabinet locks might work, but to be even safer, keep cleaners and medicines out of reach.  All our medicine is in a cabinet up high so they can barely even see them yet alone be able to reach them. The same goes for cleaning supplies.

5. Never leave children unattended in bathrooms, kitchens or anywhere with standing water or hot items with potential for burning.

I know this seems like a huge DUH thing to say, but here’s the thing. I’ve left my two year old in the tub to grab a wash cloth out of the hall closet. I’ve dashed down the hall to grab a pair of forgotten underwear. We all assume they’ll be fine. But there have been way too many instances of a slight turn of head and catastrophe strikes! I am now in the habit of staying put as long as she’s in the tub. My five year old has taken swim lessons and has a grasp of water safety so I’m less cautious with him. Same goes in the kitchen. I’ve answered a phone call and my daughter has pulled a chair over to the stove. They need their independence, sure, but dangerous situations can be prevented through good habits. And I have some new ones I need to work on.

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