Child Care Resource and Referral

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Keep knives, scissors and other sharp objects out of a child’s reach or in a cabinet or drawer with a safety latch or lock.
Store vitamins and medicines out of a child’s reach or in a cabinet with a safety latch or lock.
Store cleaning supplies separately and out of a child’s reach or in a cabinet with a safety latch or lock. Aerosol cans and other flammable products need to be stored in a low and latched cabinet, away from the stove and other heat sources.
Store food treats away from the stove.
Place coffee, hot liquids and hot foods out of a child’s reach. Hot liquids and foods should NOT be in the hands of an adult who is holding a child, at the edge of a counter or table or on a tablecloth which could be pulled down.
Unplug small appliances and put away when not in use.
Use back burners for cooking with pot handles turned toward the back of the stove.
Keep children away from the microwave when food is being heated and test food before feeding. NEVER use a microwave for heating baby bottles.

Store medicines and vitamins out of a child’s reach or in a cabinet with a safety latch or lock.
Use electrical appliances (radio, hair dryer, space heater, etc.) away from water and unplug and place out of a child’s reach after each use.
An adult always supervises a child in a bathtub. Children can drown in only a few inches of water or be burned by turning on the hot water.
Use a non-skid mat or strips on the standing area of the bathtub or shower area.
Adjust the hot water heater to 120°F or less, or install an anti-scald device to prevent scalding by tap water. Let the water run for three to five minutes before testing it.
Keep the toilet lid closed when not in use.

Windows have secure screens or window guards to keep a child from falling out.
Toys are free from loose parts; sharp edges or points and long cords.
Toddler gates are at the top and bottom of the stairs. Accordion-type gates should not be used; they can cause strangulation and death.
Crib mattress should fit snuggly with no more than two fingers’ distance between the mattress and the crib railing.
Crib slats should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart.
Remove crib gyms and mobiles from the cribs of children four months of age or older.
The toy chest has a lightweight lid, no lid, or a slow-closing lid. Air should be able to get in to the chest.

There are at least two ways to get out of the house or apartment in the case of fire or other emergency.
All electrical cords are in safe condition (not frayed, spliced, or overloaded).
Electrical cords are beyond a child’s reach, placed along walls and behind furniture—not under rugs.
Place plants (some are poisonous), chemicals, medicines and alcohol out of child’s reach.
Space heaters are UL approved, in safe condition and away from children. They need to be stable, with protective covering, and at least 36 inches away from curtains, papers and furniture.
Wood burning stove is in safe condition and away from children, with stove, stovepipe and chimney inspected yearly and a protective screen in place.
Stairs, walls, railings, porches and balconies are sturdy.
Halls and stairways are free of objects and lighting is good.
The house or apartment is free of any chipping or peeling paint.
Basement door is latched, or a safety gate has been installed and latched, so children cannot open it.
Lock garage entrances so children cannot enter.
Store rifles and other guns unloaded in a locked cabinet.
Store ammunition separately from rifles and other guns.

Stairs, walkways and yard are clear of objects that could cause injury.
There is good lighting at doors and steps.
Store poisonous materials and flammables in original containers and out of children’s reach.
Play equipment is anchored and free from breaks, loose parts, rust or splinters. (Please refer to playground safety)
Unsupervised children are unable to use pools on your property or in your neighborhood. Pools should have safety-latched gates and fences at least 4 feet high. Wading pools should be emptied when not in use. Children are always supervised around water.

A working smoke detector is properly placed. Smoke detectors should be placed on a ceiling no closer than four inches from a side wall, or on a wall between four and 12 inches below the ceiling and in hallways outside of sleeping areas. Detectors should be tested monthly and batteries changed every year.
Syrup of Ipecac is available in case of poisoning. It should not be given to a child without instruction from a doctor or poison center professional.
All cabinets and drawers that contain dangerous items have safety latches (for example: cleaning items, matches, knives, medicines, tools and alcohol).
Mount a working fire extinguisher on the wall to put out a small fire or to clear a path.
The flashlights are in good working order.
Unused electrical outlets have shock prevention plugs or are covered.
Emergency medical numbers listed near the telephones, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, poison control, fire and police.