Here are just a few tips for maintaining a safe home environment for young children:

• Use covers on electrical outlets.
• Set the temperature of your hot water heater between 120 and 130 degrees F to prevent water burns.
• Keep household cleaners, chemicals and medicines completely out of reach and always store them in their original container. Know your local Poison Control Center number. Buy and use products with child resistant caps.
• Use stair gates and window guards.
• Have your home inspected to see if your child is at risk for lead poisoning.
• Maintain smoke free environments for your children.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers in the house. Use flame retardant sleep wear.
• Use nonskid backing on rugs and make sure carpets are securely tacked down.
• Remove breakables from low tables and shelves.
• Remove small toys and other choking hazards from around your child.
• Tie cords of blinds, curtains and appliances up out of reach or use a blind cord wind-up device. Remove loops from blinds.
• Do not use mobile baby walkers.
• Do not carry hot liquids or food near your child and do not allow your child near stoves, heaters or other hot appliances (especially curling irons).
• Empty all water from bathtubs and pails when not in use or supervised and never leave your child alone near any container of water. Keep the bathroom door closed.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone and keep a phone handy at all times in case of an emergency.