Ignite FB Tracking PixelHow to increase your home's safety for younger kids - Natalie Burnside
The Cobb Group brokered by eXp Realty
Natalie Burnside, The Cobb Group brokered by eXp RealtyPhone: (843) 295-1178
Email: [email protected]

How to increase your home's safety for younger kids

by Natalie Burnside 04/28/2024

From electrical hazards to furniture hazards, your home has several potentially harmful areas for members of your household of all ages. From the kids of the house accidentally taking a fall to a friend tripping over a cord, the following tips are simple ways to keep your home as safe and worry-free as possible, especially if there's a wee one at home.

Block stairways and unsafe areas

Younger kids can easily get hurt trying to climb or crawl up and down stairs. Kids can also end up being in danger when they're able to access potentially unsafe areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens and fireplaces. Use baby gates to block stairways and other hazardous areas of your home.

Set up gates at the top and bottom of stairways to be safe or in doorways to block access to unsafe rooms or areas. Make sure your baby gates are securely in place, so they can't be tipped or pushed over.

Secure cabinets and drawers

Keep potentially dangerous items stored away in cabinets and drawers, but keep in mind kids might be able to access them. Place safety locks or latches on cabinets and drawers with hazardous items in them, such as medications, tools, knives and cleaning products. These locks and latches prevent kids from being able to open drawers and cabinets. Doing this helps reduce the risk of having kids accidentally ingest toxic substances or injure themselves with sharp objects.

Use outlet plugs or outlet covers

Electrical outlets can cause shocks if kids stick their fingers in the sockets. Put outlet plugs in each outlet throughout your home to reduce this risk. You can also get outlet covers to stop kids from being able to touch or play with electrical outlets at all. If you use plugs, make sure they're secure and can't easily be pulled or removed.

Anchor heavy furniture

Kids might try to climb on heavy pieces of furniture and accidentally cause them to fall over or running into them might make them tip on their own. Use fasteners or brackets to anchor these heavy pieces of furniture to prevent them from falling over and causing serious injuries.

About the Author
Author

Natalie Burnside

Originally from the midwest, Natalie and her husband Brian spent many years following his career but knew they were forever home when they made it to the Lowcountry. During vacations on Kiawah Island, they would dream of retiring to the South Carolina coast. When an opportunity presented itself to move to Bluffton much earlier than they envisioned, it was a “no brainer” and has proven to be one of their family’s best decisions. The two things Natalie loves most about the area are the community’s welcoming attitude and the always changing, but consistently breathtaking, views from the Lowcountry bridges. “It seems that everyone you meet in Bluffton and Hilton Head loves their community and genuinely wants you to fall in love with it, too…whether it’s for a week of vacation or to plant your own long-time roots.”