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How Safe Is Your Home?
Use this checklist in your home to make it safe for you and your family.
It concentrates on changes you can make in your home environment to prevent
accidents and injuries.
Respond "Y" (Yes) or" N" (No) to Each of the Following
Statements:
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1. All medications are in original containers with childproof
caps and are out of children's reach.
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21. Drapes are away from heaters and/or fireplaces. |
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2. There is Syrup of Ipecac in the home. (Check expiration
date).
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22. Non -skid mats or decals are in the tub/shower. |
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3. Household cleaners are separate from food and out of
children's reach.
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23. No loose/broken stairs or walkways. |
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4. There are guards or screens in front of woodstoves,
open heaters, and fireplaces.
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24. No wobbly railings on stairs or porch. |
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5. Firearms are UNLOADED and stored in a LOCKED cabinet
with shells in a separate locked area.
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25. Toy boxes have safe closure lids, lightweight lids,
or no lid. All toy boxes should be ventilated in case a child
crawls inside. |
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6. Poison control, 911, and emergency numbers are posted
by the telephone.
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26. Toys have been checked for sharp edges and removable
small parts. |
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7. First Aid supplies are well stocked.
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27. There are two unobstructed exits from house. |
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8. All unused electrical outlets are covered with safety
caps.
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28. The chimney is cleaned annually. |
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9. Extension cords are out of children's reach. Check
for fraying and wear.
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29. Electrical appliances (radio, hair dryer, & razor)
are unplugged and put away. |
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10. You and the children have practiced a fire drill and escape
route.
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30. Safety gates are placed at top and bottom of stairs
for infants. |
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11. Water heater is set at NO more than 120 degrees.
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31. Doors & screens have locks or safety latches.
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12. Floors are carpeted or have a non-skid surface safe
for those learning to walk.
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32. Home safety rules have been reviewed with children.
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13. Discard all prescription drugs.
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33. Trash & recyclables are stored out of children's
reach. |
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14. Check every room for poisons (plants or chemicals).
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34. Home playground equipment has been anchored firmly
into the ground & installed at least 6 feet from fences and
walls and placed on soft or grassy ground. |
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15. An inspected fire extinguisher is in the
kitchen. |
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35. Check all drawers & cabinets within
toddler's reach for sharp, small, toxic, or other dangerous objects.
This includes matches, lighters, pins, buttons, scissors, knives,
razors, alcohol, and medications. |
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16.Flammable liquid is in properly labeled, tightly
capped, non-glass safety containers, away from heat and out of children's
reach. |
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36. Have and use properly installed child car seats or
booster seats.
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17. Store paints, thinner, and gasoline away
from house. |
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37. Tools and equipment are stored out of children's
reach. |
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18. Working smoke detector is in hall or near
bedroom. One detector on every level. Inspect monthly. |
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38. Any exposed bolts, screws, or sharp edges
on playground equipment are covered with plastic caps or taped over. |
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19. Check infant furniture and equipment for
safety features. |
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39. Water safety precautions have been taken
(pool alarms, fences or gates around lattes, ponds, or pools) and
children are taught water safety rules. Children are NEVER
left unsupervised around water. |
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20. Windows have secure screens or access is
blocked. |
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40. Take a moment to look around. Can you see
anything else that might look dangerous? Keep in mind that
kids can usually do a little more than you realize. Try to
look at each room from their eye level and point of view. |
"TAKE THE PUZZLE OUT OF QUALITY CHILD CARE"
CONSUMER EDUCATION SERIES
SCORING YOUR HOME
Give yourself 2 points for each Yes answer on questions 1 to 12 =
____ points
Give yourself 1 point for each Yes answer on questions 12 to 40 =
____ points
Add Your Score Here: ____ Points
HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOME?
Super Safe Home = 44 to 52 points
A Safe Home = 35 TO 43 points
A Home That Needs More Safety Precautions = 18 to 34 points
Danger!! Unsafe Home = 0 to 17 points
If you have any questions or need additional information, call the Chesterfield
Social Services Department at (804) 748-1100.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Office in cooperation with the Chesterfield/Coloonial
Heights Department of Social Services.Adapted from Virginia Extension
Publication 350-060, 1992 and "Child Care Home Safety Profile, How
Safe is Your Home?, Family Daycare Exchange
*If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation,
please notify the Social Services Department at (804) 748-1100 between
the hours of 8:30AM - 5:00PM.
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all,
regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, national
origin, disability, or political affiliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative
action employer.
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