Home, to a child, is a place to feel safe and cared for. As a parent, you do your utmost to balance the demands of raising a child with your job and your social life. However, if you're a brand new parent or you will shortly be receiving a visit from a young niece, nephew, or foster child, you may not be aware of all the dangers the average home poses for small children. Luckily, we're here to help you identify and remove these obstacles that might keep kids from having a safe and happy childhood with you.

Poisons

Whether your child is very young or already in school, he or she should not have access to many common household chemicals lest they be accidentally ingested. Common poisoning risks in the average include bleach (like Chlorox), window cleaners, oven cleaner, laundry soap, medication, bathroom cleaner, alcohol, rodent or insect poison, and anti-freeze. Items such as these should be kept in locked cabinets at all times. High shelves are often not enough of a deterrent for children, who have been known to climb up to get at them. If you know someone who became ill or injured because a harmful chemical was not labelled properly, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer. (visit here)

Corners and Stairs

Sharp furniture corners and stairs are more of a baby/young child danger than an older child one. Note each 90 degree corner on items low enough to hurt the child, such as coffee tables, end tables, and small bookcases, and apply rubber corner protectors throughout. Stairs can be barred off with plastic gates until children have become adept enough to negotiate the risers without falling. Remember to lock doors to basements and attics.

Electricity

Electrical dangers present in most homes come from one of two sources: electrical outlets and appliance cords. Outlets not currently in use are low enough for a child to stick metal objects into, so stop them up with plastic covers. Make sure all appliance cords are not frayed or worn enough to expose the metal wire. Appliances that can be knocked over or heat up enough to burn small fingers should be removed or placed out of reach. Remember: this includes cords and handles, which a child can use to pull things (such as pots on the stove) down on his or her head.

Sharp/Dangerous Objects

It goes without saying that any objects of a dangerous nature should be kept locked away from inquisitive hands. If your home has a garage or basement workroom, the heavy, sharp tools in this room pose a grave danger. Keep these rooms locked and never let the child in, even supervised. Dangerous objects include knives, scissors, saws, hammers, needles, mousetraps, corkscrews, bricks, glassware, exposed moving parts (such as in snow blowers), and even hair dryers.

Of course, you can't child-proof every home or event you go to, so keeping a sharp eye on your child's surroundings at all times is crucial. You can also ask ahead of time if the event will be safe for small children.