Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas usually mean family gatherings, and that often means young children visiting the homes of aunts, uncles, and grandparents. People whose children are older or grown often do not think about the dangers to young children lurking in their homes. And they forget how curious children can be. If you fall into this category, and don’t want a happy holiday to turn into a devastating tragedy, be sure to childproof your home. Here are some ideas to help you: Think about chemicals that children could reach, like cleaning products under the kitchen or bathroom sink. Move them to a safer location or buy some inexpensive child safety latches to use on cabinets.

• Keep pot handles turned toward the back of the stove, out of the reach of children. Kitchen appliances, knives, and other harmful items should be moved out of reach of young hands.

• Look at your bathroom(s). Are there appliances, sharp tools, medicines, etc., that children could get into?

• Get some inexpensive outlet covers to keep little fingers out of electrical outlets.

• If you expect toddlers or crawling babies, borrow or buy a safety gate and block any steps they could fall down.

• Make sure window blinds do not have looped cords that children can get their heads into and hang themselves, or move them out of reach.

• Look for anything like shelves or furniture that could tip over if children tried to climb on them.

• Guard or remove sharp-edged furniture or other objects that toddlers might fall against.

• Check floors and low tables for small objects like coins, marbles, paper clips, etc., that young children might put into their mouths and choke on.

• If you have doors children should not open, either lock them or buy simple door knob covers designed for this situation–adults can turn them but children can’t.

• If you have balconies or low screened windows that children can fall through, block access to them or keep them closed.

• If you are supervising young children, not only at home but in stores or other public places, keep them close to you at all times. Children can move and get into trouble a lot faster than you think. You must watch them constantly and not allow yourself to get distracted by something else.

The holidays are a great time for family gathering. Take action now to keep the youngest members of the family safe and keep the holidays happy.

Source: Mark A. Purschwitz, Extension Specialist for Safety and Health, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture