Go through your home with this checklist. Make a check mark in the box next to each item you can answer “yes” about. If there are things you cannot check, try to do them as soon as you can.
For advice on making your home safer for your young child, see Household Safety for Babies.
Are small objects like batteries out of reach?
Are matches and lighters out of reach?
Are there safety latches on low cabinets and drawers?
Are electric outlets covered with safety plugs?
Are electric cords out of reach?
Are trash cans secure, so children can’t get to harmful things inside them?
Are heaters and hot-air vents covered?
Are cords on shades and curtains out of reach?
Are houseplants out of reach?
Is tall or heavy furniture fastened to the wall?
Are there smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home?
Are there safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs?
Do windows have guards or locks, to prevent falls?
If windows have bars, are they quick-release?
Do balconies have safety rails?
Is furniture placed away from windows?
If you have a firearm, is it locked up?
Are the car doors locked, even in the garage?
Is your yard fenced?
If you have a pool, is it fenced?
Is the pool gate always locked?
Are knives and sharp utensils out of reach?
Do drawers and cabinets have safety latches?
Are cleaning supplies in locked cabinets?
Are alcohol, marijuana, and smoking or vaping products out of reach?
Is there a childproof handle on the door?
Are medicines in childproof containers?
Are medicines, razors and cosmetics locked up?
Do you keep the toilet lid down and latched?
Are there slip-proof mats inside and outside of the tub?
Are electric appliances unplugged and out of reach?
Is the water heater set at 120° F to prevent burns?
Are phone numbers for your healthcare provider and Poison Control saved in your phone?
In your home’s address visible from the street? This is so emergency services can find you.
Do you have an escape plan in case of fire?
Are these emergency/first aid supplies in one place?
- First aid kit
- A portable radio with batteries
- Food and water for three days
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Warm clothes for the whole family
- Blankets
- Medicines that anyone in your family needs to take
- Important medical information for all family members
- Extra cash
The First Things First Parent Kit was developed in partnership with Health Research for Action/UC Berkeley. © 2023 The Regents of the University of California. Additional video, graphic and other content © 2023 First Things First. All rights reserved.