You took care of the first child safety basics. You carefully installed the cabinet locks and outlet covers when your child was a baby. You gated the stairs and kept small objects, matches, cleaners and medications out of reach. Good job.

Now that your child is older, it’s time to focus on safety measures appropriate for the 4-11 age range. What do you need to do to keep your young child safe? Here are a few pointers for child safety in the home.

Dangerous Items
Children are more adept at reaching, climbing and finding ways to get what they want than babies. They know how to stand on chairs or shelves, and they are curious and motivated. One thing that needs to be done to ensure that these explorers are safe is to lock medications, vitamins, cleaning products, matches and lighters in a cabinet. There are safety devices available that will allow you to lock cabinets safely. Certainly teach your children not to play with or touch these items, but don’t rely on children to always follow your instructions.

If there are firearms in the house, always, without exception, keep unloaded firearms locked away from the ammunition. Lock ammunition in a separate, secret place. Do not allow your child to see or play with these items, even with your supervision. Accidental death from overdose, poisoning, fire and weapon discharge could all be avoided if these important guidelines are followed. Have syrup of ipecac and the poison control center phone number always available, just in case. Remember to call poison control before you induce vomiting, as sometimes this can make things worse.

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