Childproofing & Kids Around Projects

Young children explore everything. A few low-cost fixes prevent the most serious injuries at home.

Top fixes

Anchor furniture and TVs to the wall. Dressers and TVs tipping over seriously injure and kill children every year.
Window guards or stops on upper-floor windows. Screens don’t stop falls.
Safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
Cabinet locks for chemicals and medicines, or store them up high.
Button batteries and magnets out of reach. Swallowed button batteries can cause severe internal burns within hours.
Tamper-resistant outlets or outlet covers.
Cordless window blinds or cord cleats.
Water heater set to 120°F to prevent scalds.
Firearms stored unloaded and locked, with ammunition locked separately.

Keep children out of work areas. Use a gate or a closed door.
Unplug tools and remove batteries when you step away, even briefly.
Pick up nails, screws, blades and scraps. Don’t leave paint thinner or fuel open.
Cover holes and trenches in the yard, and keep ladders down or locked when not in use.
Watch for children behind you when backing up vehicles and mowers.

Last updated: October 1, 2026