How to keep your family safe in any situation
Your family’s safety is the most important thing. It can be overwhelming to think about all the safety concerns when you have a large family. It doesn’t have it too.
This guide is broken down into age groups and categories, so you can easily keep your family safe. We’ve also packed this guide with expert insights and additional resources to make it easier for you and your family to stay safe at home.
Safety tips for the entire family
While families change over time, some safety tips can still be used to protect your family. These tips are relevant for every stage of life, from your first day at home with a baby to your first day as an empty nester.
How to keep your home safe
Always be prepared to give first aid. All households should have first aid kits. It would be best if you stocked up on everything, from antiseptics to pain relief and tweezers. Make sure you keep your equipment centrally located and check it every few months to ensure it is still valid.
Avoid accidental poisoning by using household cleaners or prescription medications. To protect your home, use our poison-proofing guidance.
Learn what to do in case of poisoning. Everyone in the house should know where poison control is located and when to dial 911. Do not induce vomiting unless you are directed. More information is available in our Local Poison Control Resources.
Avoid tripping hazards. A baby gate protects children and pets from falling stairs. Be sure to secure wires and cords that cross walkways. Rug pads are used to hold rugs in place.
Prepare for any emergency. You have a greater chance of surviving a natural disaster or a fire at home. Create a family disaster plan and a fire escape plan. Also, drills can be run to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
How to make sure your online data is safe
Protect your Wi-Fi network at home. Secure your network using strong passwords, keeping firmware up-to-date, and turning on firewalls or encryption.
Always update. Updates contain security patches that help keep hackers from your home.
Secure security cameras. You’ve probably seen headlines about strangers talking with children through baby monitors or wireless cameras. Check out our security camera safety videos to learn how to protect your cameras from hackers.
How to keep your belongings safe from the elements
Establish boundaries. These are rules for outdoor play and actual limits. You must ensure that your pets and children are not in danger from hazards such as a pond, trench, pool, or other areas. You can also consider moving “pens,” which you can set up for pets and younger children if you don’t have a complete fence.
Keep your pool safe. Make sure that children can stay in and out of the pool. You can add a gate, lock, or motion sensor to alert you if anyone is trying to swim in the pool. Find more pool safety information in this complete guide.
Lock your tools and chemicals. Anyone can be exposed to pesticides, fertilizer, and other garden tools. After using them, ensure they are stored in a safe place, such as a shed or container.
Safety tips for toddlers and babies
The first years of our children’s lives are all about keeping them safe, healthy, and happy. We have safety tips to help you keep your children safe at home and out and about to make it easier.
Make sure your toddlers and babies are safe at home
Baby, proof it. Baby proofing can be done in the house, in the yard, and even in the car. Use our room-by-room babyproofing guide to help you spot hazards and ensure safety.
Appliances and anchor furniture. Anything from refrigerators to TVs can tip over. Wall anchors are a great way to ensure heavy items don’t fall off, especially if they look like something you might enjoy climbing.
Get rid of all stuffed animals and blankets. These items should be kept out of cribs until your child turns 12 months old or can move objects such as teddy bears and blankies away from their faces.
Keep the stove on. Children are more adept at operating the stovetop than we realize. Cover the knobs of the oven and stove with child-proof covers. Find out if your stove has a touchscreen, and make sure you use it. You can add cabinet locks while in the kitchen to keep little fingers out of your knife drawer.
Be aware of walkers. Babies move faster than we think. You can ensure your home is safe and accessible by installing baby gates at stairs and around any other dangers, such as fireplaces, pools, hot tubs, or hot tubs. To prevent tripping, secure carpets, and rugs. Tables and furniture with sharp corners should have padding or bumpers.
Take care when screening caregivers. Do a background check and check with references. Also, make sure to check for CPR certification and first aid certification. You and your baby should feel comfortable around people who will look out for them, even if you aren’t there. Please find more information in our 6-Step guide to hiring a safe nanny.
Keep toddlers and babies safe at home
Get ready. Make sure your toddlers and infants have secured adequately with all safety restraints. To ensure that they are snug and comfortable, take off their coats if it is cold outside.
Choose a safe daycare. You can feel confident leaving your children at a care center you trust. Check the daycare’s license, learn about child-to-caregiver ratios, and learn about disciplinary policies. You can check in on your child frequently by looking for daycares that offer remote observation via a camera and live video feed.
Make playdates enjoyable. Playdates are fun until someone is hurt. No matter if your child is visiting a friend’s home or you are hosting the party, ensure everyone is safe during playtime. For younger children, make sure you have a safe place to play. This will ensure that no one wanders off or accidentally gets into hazardous items such as chemicals or tools.
Safety tips for children
Children grow out of clothes. Each new stage brings new safety concerns. Older children are more independent, can go to school, and venture out independently. This means that they are out of our reach more than ever, but it’s not a cause for panic. Here are some tips to keep your children safe at school and on the playground.
