Around the house

These are some simple things you can do to help keep children safe around your home.

Safety

• Locate furniture away from windows where a child can't climb up and out a window
• Locate heaters at least one metre away from anything flammable, such as curtains
• Install an electrical safety switch to minimise the risk of electric shock injuries, deaths or fires
• Use power boards instead of double adaptors, and do not overload them
• Switch off and unplug electrical devices when not in use
• Do not use extension cords in areas where they may be tripped over or pulled out accidentally
• Attach safety barriers to the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls if there is a baby or infant in the home
• Keep cords for blinds and curtains out of reach of children
• Install smoke alarms - at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home (this is a legal requirement in NSW and anyone who does not comply is guilty of an offence and can be fined)
• Keep smoke alarms in working order(check twice a year and change batteries once a year)
• Have a fire escape plan and practice it regularly
• Keep phone numbers of the police, fire brigade, ambulance and Poisons Information Centres handy

Hygiene

• Clean surfaces regularly, especially when someone is ill and immediately if contaminated by bodily fluids, blood, faeces or vomit
• Clean a babies change table at least daily and whenever dirty
• Regularly wash children's toys
• Keep pets clean and regularly empty litter trays