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Safety in action

Explore Charlie's Virtual House

Take a room-by-room virtual tour of our safety house. Simply pick a room and click on the information points to read the safety tip. Choose a room

Throughout the Home

  • Tip-prone FurnitureSecure dressers (even short ones), televisions, bookcases, and other tip-prone furniture to the wall with restraint straps. Furniture straps are available at many baby specialty stores, available online, and through Charlie's House. Need assistance finding or buying furniture straps? Call 913-375-7123 or visit www.charlieshouse.org.
  • Stairwells and RailingsInstall safety gates at the top & bottom of stairs. Block off any railing a child could climb over. Make sure that hand railing is secure, space between balusters should be less than 3.5". Make sure that the steps are clutter free.
  • Floor CoveringsFix loose floor coverings & replace flammable rugs. Secure scatter rugs to avoid trips and falls.
  • Electrical OutletsPlug in electrical outlet covers/safety caps. Do not use electrical extension cords or overload the electrical outlet.
  • PetsProvide a childproof enclosure for pets.
  • FireplaceUse a fire screen and a barrier to keep children away from fire.
  • Purses/ShoesStore purses and shoes out of the reach of the child and out of the entryway.
  • Smoke AlarmsTest smoke alarms & change batteries every 6 months.
  • Window CoveringsInstall window blind cord wind-ups or secure window and drapery cords out of reach of children.
  • Furniture CornersPlace corner protectors on sharp furniture corners.
  • Appliance CordsShorten cords on appliances that could be pulled down.
  • Door KnobsUse door knob covers.
  • Choking HazardsFind & remove choking hazards - anything that can fit inside a toilet paper roll.
  • HouseplantsRemove any poisonous plants.
  • Trash ContainersCover all trash containers securely.
  • Emergency Contacts and Evacuation PlansKeep a list of emergency numbers near the phone Plan & practice your emergency evacuation plans.
  • AshtraysIf you smoke, use large, deep ashtrays & empty ashes in a metal container.

Kitchen

  • Fire ExtinguishersPurchase a fire extinguisher & store near exit door.
  • Cleaning products and poisonsSecure & store poisons (cleaning products) out of the reach of children.
  • Large AppliancesFirmly affix stove/refrigerators to the wall or floor.
  • Sharp Utensils and MatchesPlace knives & matches out of children's reach.
  • CabinetsLock/latch cabinets that children should not get into.
  • Outlets Near WaterInstall a ground fault circuit interrupter near water sources.
  • StovesApply stove & burner covers - use back burners first. Exhaust to outside for gas powered stoves. Use oven-locking latch to prevent child climbing and tip over. Never leave stove unattended while cooking.
  • Emergency ContactsKeep an emergency phone number list on refrigerator: Include your address, phone numbers of parents, grandparents, doctor and nearest neighbor.
  • Hot Foods and LiquidsNever carry hot liquids or food near a child or while holding a child.

Bathroom

  • Medications and CosmeticsLock away all medications, toiletries, cosmetics, razor blades & any other hazardous items.
  • MatsUse slip resistant mats in the bathtub & on the floor.
  • Electrical AppliancesStore away electrical appliances when not in use.
  • Water TapsCover the water taps.
  • Hot WaterSet hot water heater to below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to test the bath water temperature before placing a child in the bath.
  • ToiletUse a toilet lock to prevent toddlers from falling into water.
  • BathtubChildren six & under should always be supervised in the tub. Empty the tub immediately after use. Store soaps and shampoos out of reach of children.
  • Outlets Near WaterInstall a ground fault circuit interrupter near water sources.
  • Exhaust VentAn exhaust vent is recommended to prevent excessive moisture and mold.

Nursery

  • Books and ToysKeep books & toys down low where children can reach them without climbing. Remove any sharp toys. Toybox should have lid that stays open to avoid entrapment.
  • Crib AreaMove the crib away from any windows. Ensure that crib rails are less than 2 3/8 inches apart & that there are no gaps between the crib & mattress. Sheets should fit tight. Do not hang items above the crib (mobiles, etc.) Use a firm mattress without bumper guards, comforters or pillows. No stuffed toys while infant is in crib or bassinet. Cribs should be approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturer's Association (JPMA). Do not place electrical monitors inside or near the crib. For more info, please visit http://cribsafety.jpma.org
  • Changing TablePlace all products for changing baby within reach. Secure strap to dresser if using a changing table pad. Use safety straps to keep the baby in place while on a changing table.
  • Smoke and Fire SafetyEnsure that baby's room is smoke-free. No burning candles. A smoke alarm that works- should be tested every 6 months.
  • Sleep SafetyDo not wrap or bundle an infant in blankets to avoid blankets from covering face. Infants should be placed in a sleep sack on their back to sleep.

Bedroom

  • Beds and Bunk BedsDo not place bed near window. If 2nd story room, window guards should be installed to prevent falling. Children less than 6 years should not sleep on the upper bunk bed. Bunk beds should always have a railing and steps. Bunk beds should always have a railing to prevent falling, there should be less than 3.5" gap between railing and edge of mattress to avoid suffocation.
  • WindowsSecure excess cords from window blind to prevent strangulation. If 2nd story room, an emergency escape plan and ladder is encouraged.
  • Space Heater/Fire SafetyDo not use a space heater. Do not burn candles. Test all smoke alarms every six months.
  • Tip-prone Kid's FurnitureTV, chest of drawers and bookcases should be secured to wall stud to avoid tip overs.

Basement & Laundry

  • Dryer FilterKeep dryer filter clean and free of lint.
  • Detergents/SuppliesStore detergents and cleaning supplies out of reach of children. Keep buckets or containers out of reach of children.
  • Outlets Near WaterInstall a ground fault circuit interrupter near water sources.
  • Floors/SpillsKeep floor dry and clutter free.

Garage & Driveway

  • Garage DoorGarage door should have a safety eye to prevent accidental trapping.
  • Poisons/ChemicalsGarden chemicals, automotive products & fuel should be locked in a cabinet out of reach of a child.
  • Tools/EquipmentGarden equipment, tools, and lawn mowers should be stored out of reach of children.
  • Floors/SpillsKeep floor dry and clutter free.
  • Flammable MaterialsPapers and other flammable materials should be stored outside the house when possible.
  • First AidKeep/Install a first aid kit in garage.
  • LightingInstall a nightlight and adequate lighting.
  • VehiclesAlways walk around the car to check for toys, equipment or children. Keep car doors locked to keep children from playing inside the car and possible entrapment. Place your purse or cell phone or briefcase in back seat to avoid unintentionally leaving child unattended.

Play Yard

  • SupervisionDo not leave children unsupervised.
  • Play Sets/SwingsPlay sets should be inspected for broken and missing parts. Playground equipment should meet the JPMA approval. Parents should secure swing sets to ground to avoid tip-overs.
  • Bikes/Wheeled ToysChildren should use protective gear when riding wheeled play toys.
  • Wading and Swimming PoolsNever leave children unattended. Pools should have fencing and locking gates to prevent access.