Safety in the home is extremely important especially if you have children or elders who live or regularly visit your home.

So we have put together a list of items that you might like to consider to help you safety proof your home.

As a suggestion you could conduct a safety audit of your home using the lists we have provided.

The Interior

• Childproof latches on all cupboards and doors.
• Cords on blinds, drapes and electrical appliances out of reach.
• Power points - consider electric outlet covers.
• Gates to block stairs, balconies and decks. Decks should have a safety seal.
• Cushioned corner covers to protect sharp corners on tables, bech tops etc.
• V C R lock- protects videos from foreign objects and little fingers.
• Window guards for large windows -do not put on fire exits.
• Laminated glass for large exposed windows.
• Check your hot water temperature
• 50 celcius is the recommended safety limit for water coming out of the tap for young children. Most modern hot water systems can be adjusted. Or you could consider getting a professionally installed thermostatic mixing valve to control your water temperature.
• Ensure taps are set high out of children's reach.
• Installation of smoke alarms- make sure that you read the instruction for the proper maintenace of the smoke alarm. Don't forget to change the battery on a regualar basis.
• Matches and lighters- ensure that you purchase childproof products and keep them away from children's reach.
• Maintain dryers- regularly clean lint filters and ensure proper ventilation.
• Storeage of household chemicals- Don't just rely on cupdboard locks to protect your child from chemicals. Consider storing chemicals appropriately and out of reach.
• Children's play equipment- A regular check of children's toys is essential, both in and out of the home. Don't forget to make regular checks of children's toy boxes.
• Electrical Circuits
  Residual current devices [safety switches] should be installed on all circuits to reduce risk of shock and electrocution around the home. Ideally all power outlets should be positioned out of children's reach.

The Exterior

Children's Play Equipment

• A regular check of children's toys is essential, of both inside and outside equipment.
• Correct safety gear for ride on toys - helmets, elbow and kneepads.

Outdoor Play Areas

A fence should securely enclose these areas with self-closing spring gate from the front of the house, street, carport, [garage and car manoeuvring area. Fences and gates should be made difficult for small children to climb - vertical slats are better than horizontal ones.

Heaters/BBQ's/Hot Drinks & Beverages

• Take care with hot drinks near children, they can get severely burnt through scolding water.
• Store flammable liquids in labelled containers away from children's reach.
• Guard all types of fires with caution.
• Open fires and outdoor fires should have a safety guard around them and children should only wear category 1 or 2 sleepwear flame resistant fabric - close fitting design.
• Children should be supervised near fires [all types] at all times.
• Have a fire extinguisher handy at all times

Trailers

Trailers can be tempting objects. Consider securing trailers and storing them in an area that children cannot access.

Sheds/Garages - should be fitted with a lock.

Pool chemicals - storage areas should be fitted with a lock

Swimming Pools

• A high proportion of drowning occurs with visitors to the home.
• When gardening ensure the pool fence is not left propped open.
• Pool fencing must comply with the Australian safety standards; the fence should isolate the pool and prevent direct access from the house.

Cars

• The interior of cars can get extremely hot both in summer and winter. Be mindful of leaving children in cars even for short periods.
• Many accidents occur when cars are reversing in driveways. If possible have an adult spotter helping you to reverse when children are around.