Non-Traumatic Emergencies

___ Do not leave medications, toiletries, or other household products in drawers or on night stands.

___ To avoid accidental injuries or choking, keep penknives, nail files, scissors, and pocket change out of reach.

___Install a smoke detector in the hallway outside of the bedrooms. Check and change the batteries regularly.

___Make certain drapery cords and/or blind cords are well out of reach of children.

___ Make certain the crib mattress fits snugly.

___Crib slats should be placed no wider than 2 and 3/8 inches apart.

___Make certain the crib has been put together properly and is not missing screws or bolts - to prevent it from collapsing.

___Make certain there is a carpet or rug beneath the crib or changing table to soften the impact if an infant falls.

___Make certain drapery cords and/or blind cords are well out of reach of children and cribs.

___Remove all crib gyms, hanging toys, and decorations form a crib by the time a baby can raise up on hands and knees.

___Make sure there is a safety belt on the infant changing table, and that it is used consistently and properly.

___Make sure baby powder and lotions are out of a baby or child's reach. But, make sure the baby powder and lotions are within your reach, so you do not have to leave the infant to reach these items.

___If your child can climb out of the crib, consider a youth bed with guard rails, or place the crib mattress on the floor.

___Never leave small parts or pieces of a toy(s) in a child's room.

___Make certain a night light is not near or touching drapes or the bedspread.

___Never place a crib, playpen, or bed near a window.

___Make certain window screens are securely in place, or that window guards are present - to prevent a child from falling from a window.

___Make certain there are plug protectors in the unused electrical outlets.

___If there is a lid on the toy box, it should not be heavy, hinged, or lockable. Children may crawl inside and become trapped.

___ Put a nonskid bathmat on the floor and a nonskid mat or decals in the bathtub.

___Protect all electrical outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters.

___Store medicines, cosmetics, toiletries, and cleansers well out of reach of children.

___When children are present, put child-resistant safety latches on all cabinets storing potentially harmful substances.

___Store electrical appliances, such as hair dryers and curling irons, out of reach.

___Always unplug such an appliance before leaving it unattended, no matter how briefly.

___To avoid accidental scalding, make certain the tap water temperature is set no higher than 120° F.

___Never leave a child or disabled person unattended in a bathtub, or in a bathroom where there is a tub, sink, or bucket containing water.

___Keep toilet lids closed.

___ Do not store vitamins (or medications) on the kitchen table, counter top, or window sill.

___Make certain knives, scissors, and other sharp utensils are out of reach.

___Store dishwasher detergent and other cleaning supplies in their original containers and out of reach.

___When children are present, install safety latches on cabinets and drawers within a child's reach.

___Keep chairs and step stools away from counters and stoves.

___Always turn pot handles inward when cooking on the stove.Use back burners whenever possible.

___Keep the toaster out of the reach of toddlers.

___Make certain appliance cords are not dangling, so they cannot be pulled from a counter.

___Unplug appliance extension cords when not in use.

___When children are present, use plug protectors for all unused wall outlets.

___If a child is in a highchair, make sure it is sturdy and has a seat belt with a strap between the legs.

___Keep a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen.

___Keep houseplants out of reach of children. A number of plants are poisonous.

___Make certain television sets and other heavy items are secure so they cannot be tipped over.

___Remove unnecessary extension cords.

___Put plug protectors in any unused electrical outlets when children are present.

___Move tables and other objects with sharp edges away from the center of a room, especially if there are toddlers or disabled persons in the home.

___Place protective material on sharp furniture edges.

___Keep drapery and blind cords out of reach of children and/or disabled persons.

___ Secure area rugs - to prevent falls and slips.

___Keep stairs and walkways clear of snow, wet leaves, or other debris.

___Repair cracks or chips in cement sidewalks and stairs.

___Make certain railings, gates, and fences are secure and in good repair.

___Keep garbage cans covered.

___There should be a fence with a locked gate between the house and the backyard swimming pool.

___Garden tools and lawn equipment should be securely stored.

___Play equipment, such as swing sets and garden furniture, should be properly anchored and assembled.Check regularly for rust, splintered wood, or cracks.

___If you have a fireplace, wood burning stove, or other heat source, place barriers around it to avoid accidental burns.

___Inspect and clean chimneys and stovepipes regularly.

___Make certain hazardous items, such as bug sprays, cleaners, auto care products, and weed killers, are secured and stored in their original containers in the garage, utility room, or basement.

___Place "Mr. Yuk" stickers on all hazardous items.

___Keep syrup of ipecac in your home for accidental poisonings.But, never use syrup of ipecac without first calling your physician or the poison control center.

___Make certain plastic bags, broken pieces of toys, buttons, screws, and other choking or suffocation hazards are stored out of reach of children.

___Post emergency telephone numbers near each telephone in your home.

___When children are present, safety devices, such as gates, locks, and doorknob covers, should be in use at all stairways and exits in your home.

___Make sure all indoor and outdoor stairways and entries are well-lighted and clear.

___Make certain bathrooms and bedrooms can be unlocked from the outside.

___Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children and disabled persons.

___A home should have two unobstructed exits, in case of fire or other emergency.

___Check all electrical cords to make sure they are not cracked or frayed.

___Make certain outlets or extension cords are not overloaded.

___It is best not to use space heaters.If they are used, make sure they are in safe condition.Never plug them into an extension cord.Do not place them near drapes or furnishings.

___Paint or wallpaper should not be chipping or peeling.

___Keep purses, backpacks, and other portable storage bags out of a child's reach. They may contain medicines, penknives, hard candies, and other items that may harm children.