Most of our homes are not the safest place for our kids

Here is a statistic that might shock you, especially if you are a parent: every year approximately two and a half million children are either injured or killed by hazards in our homes. Yes, in our very own homes—our homes that are meant to be the safest place for our kids! Baffled? Given it sounds rather unbelievable but unfortunately, it is quite true.

Accidents can be prevented by using simple child safety devices

However, the good thing is that many of these incidents and accidents can be prevented by using simple child safety devices that are available in the market today. Yes, you might argue that you have installed home security systems and other assorted home security devices and therefore, you will not need such child safety devices. Good point but aren't you forgetting something? Home security systems as such, protect us mostly from outsiders. What about the dangers that are lurking inside our homes? How do you protect your kids from such dangers?

Tips on home safety and security for children at home

In case you failed to answer that question, here are some of the ways you can protect your children:

Make your home more "kids'-friendly"

• Use safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to keep your children from gaining access to poisonous things, household cleaners, etc. This is the first step towards making your home a safe place for your children.
• Use door knob covers and door locks to prevent your unattended kids from getting into those areas of the house that may be hazardous to them. Example: swimming pool.
• Use door stops and door holders to prevent accidents to fingers or other body parts of your children. Young kids tend to put their fingers or toes between hinges or doors causing serious accidents.

Use detectors and other safety devices

• Get smoke-detectors and have them installed on every level of your house, especially bedrooms. If you have a home security system then you may not have to worry about this one. But in case you do not smoke detectors in your house, you should get one fast.
• Just like smoke detectors, get carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. They can go a long way to protect your kids from carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Use anti-scald devices to protect your kids from getting burnt when using hot water. Set the temperature of hot water to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use guards and safety gates

• Use safety gates to prevent kids from falling off the stairs.
• Use window guards and safety nettings to protect your kids from falling off the windows, decks or landings. Such falls can prove extremely fatal for you them.

Two more tips

• Use outlet covers and outlet plates to prevent the kids from getting an electrical shock and possible electrocution.
• And finally, get yourself a cordless phone so that you watch your children while being on the phone. Children left unattended have higher chances of getting into accidents.

Don't leave kids unattended, even if it is for a little while

These are just some of the useful devices that you can install in your house to increase your kids' safety. Most of these safety devices are cheap, easy to install and are easily available. However, you must always remember that your duty as a guardian or a parent doesn't stop there. No amount of security and safety devices can always protect your children and therefore, it is in your best interest that you try not to leave kids unattended, even if it is for a little while.