Hey there Parent of the Tri-Cities! Whether you live in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, or beyond … we wanted to provide a Home Safety Checklist for our fellow citizens. We’re all about dryer safety here at Dryer Fire Fighters. And we’re also all about home safety in general, and a comprehensive home safety checklist can make a big difference in protecting children from accidents and injuries. When you implement measures to childproof your home and property, always maintain a vigilant perspective, and teach your children about safety, you as parents can can create a secure and nurturing environment for the whole family (and guests).

1. Living Room and General Areas

• Secure Furniture: Anchor heavy furniture such as bookshelves, dressers, and TV stands to the wall to prevent tipping.
• Cover Electrical Outlets: Install outlet covers or plug protectors to prevent children from inserting objects or touching exposed outlets.
• Remove Small Objects: Ensure that all small items, such as coins, batteries, and buttons, are out of reach to prevent choking hazards.
• Install Corner Protectors: Place corner guards on tables, cabinets, and other furniture with sharp edges.
• Use Safety Gates: Place gates at the top and bottom of staircases and in entryways to restrict access to potentially dangerous areas.

2. Kitchen Safety

• Store Knives Safely: Keep sharp knives and utensils in locked drawers or cabinets (or at least out of reach for little ones).
• Turn Pot Handles Inward: When cooking, ensure that pot and pan handles are turned INWARD to avoid accidental pulling or tipping.
• Install Stove Guards: Use stove knob covers or guards to prevent children from turning on the stove.
• Lock Cabinets: Install childproof locks on cabinets that contain cleaning supplies, alcohol, and sharp objects.
• Secure Trash Bins: Use bins with locking lids or store trash cans in a cabinet to prevent children from accessing hazardous waste.

3. Bathroom Safety

• Never Leave Children Unattended: Always supervise children when they are in or near the bath or sink.
• Set Water Heater Temperature: Ensure the water heater is set to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scalding.
• Use Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats inside the bathtub and on the bathroom floor to prevent falls.
• Store Medications Securely: Keep all medications, vitamins, and supplements in a locked cabinet.
• Install Toilet Locks: Prevent young children from accessing the toilet, which poses a drowning risk.

4. Bedroom Safety

• Choose Safe Crib Bedding: Avoid placing blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys in a crib to reduce the risk of suffocation.
• Anchor Dressers and Nightstands: Secure bedroom furniture to the wall to prevent tipping accidents.
• Use Window Guards: Install window guards or stops to prevent windows from being opened wide enough for a child to fall through.
• Secure Cords: Keep blind and curtain cords out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards.

5. Playroom Safety

• Inspect Toys Regularly: Check toys for loose parts, sharp edges, and broken pieces that could pose a choking hazard.
• Use Safe Storage: Store toys in bins with no lids or with safety hinges to prevent finger injuries.
• Keep Play Areas Clutter-Free: Ensure play areas are organized and free from tripping hazards.
• Install Foam Flooring: Use padded mats or rugs to cushion falls.

6. Laundry Room Safety

• Store Detergents and Chemicals Securely: Keep laundry detergent pods, bleach, and other cleaning products in high, locked cabinets.
• Lock Washing Machine and Dryer: Use child safety locks to prevent children from opening or climbing into appliances.
• Remove Lint Regularly: Clean the dryer lint trap after each use to reduce fire risk and ensure proper ventilation.

7. Garage and Outdoor Safety

• Secure Tools and Equipment: Store sharp tools, power equipment, and chemicals in locked cabinets or on high shelves.
• Install Garage Door Safety Sensors: Ensure the garage door has functioning sensors to prevent it from closing on children or pets.
• Fence Off Pools: Use a self-latching gate around pools and teach children basic water safety.
• Supervise Outdoor Play: Always monitor children when they are playing outside, especially near streets or water features.

8. General Safety Practices

• Check Smoke and CO Detectors: Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
• Create an Emergency Plan: Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family. Ensure children know what to do in case of a fire or emergency.
• Maintain First Aid Supplies: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in an accessible location for quick use.
• Teach Safety Rules: Educate children about potential dangers in the home, such as hot surfaces, electrical outlets, and sharp objects.
• Label Emergency Contacts: Post emergency phone numbers and contact information in a visible spot for babysitters and older children.

9. Safety Reminders for Parents

• Supervise Young Children: Always keep an eye on young children, especially during high-risk activities like bathing or cooking.
• Keep Hazardous Items Out of Reach: Store items like matches, lighters, and plastic bags in locked or elevated areas.
• Practice Safe Sleeping: Ensure that infants sleep on their backs in a crib that meets safety standards.
• Update Safety Gear: Regularly check the condition of safety gates, outlet covers, and cabinet locks to ensure they are functioning properly.