About 2−1/2 million children are injured or killed by
hazards in the home each year. The good news is that
many of these incidents can be prevented by using
simple child safety devices on the market today.
You can childproof your home for a fraction of what it
would cost to have a professional do it. And safety
devices are easy to find. You can buy them at hardware
stores, baby equipment shops, supermarkets, drug
stores, home and linen stores, and through mail order
catalogues.
Here are some child safety devices that can help prevent
many injuries to young children.
Use Safety Latches and Locks for cabinets and
drawers in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas to help
prevent poisonings and other injuries. Safety latches and
locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children
from gaining access to medicines and household
cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects.
Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily
install and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls
and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a
guarantee of protection, but they can make it more
difficult for children to reach dangerous substances.