Kitchen

• Chairs and step-stools are away from the counters, sink, microwave and stove
• Household cleaners, medications, vitamins and other poisons are out of reach or locked up
• Knives, scissors and other sharp utensils are out of reach or in a drawer with a child safety latch
• Anchor the stove to the floor with an anti-tip bracket
• The stove’s back burners are used when cooking
• Hot food and drinks are kept away from edges of tables and counters
• Appliance cords are out of reach
• Plastic bags and food items small enough to cause choking are kept away from babies and toddlers
• A fire extinguisher is conveniently located and you know how to use it

Bathroom

• Medicines and cleaners are stored in a locked medicine cabinet or well out of a child’s reach

• Use protective plug covers on electrical outlets
• Hair dryers, curling irons and other electrical appliances are unplugged and out of a child’s reach
• Non-slip mat or decals are used in bathtub
• An infant bath ring or bath seat is not used
• The hot water is no hotter than 49°C or 120°F

Child’s Room

• The crib is in good condition, made after 1986 and has been checked for recalls
• Mattress fits snugly without gaps to prevent a small head from getting caught
• No bumper pads, pillows, quilts, duvets or toys in crib
• Beds and cribs are placed away from the window and any electrical cords
• Dresser and bookcases are anchored securely
• Diaper changing products (pins, powders, wipes, oil, etc.) are stored away from babies or small children
• Window coverings are cordless or secured using a tie-down device up high on the wall. Securely attach tension devices supplied with corded window coverings
• The toy chest has ventilation holes and a lid that can be opened from the inside.
• Night lights are placed in high outlets and are away from bedding, draperies or fabrics

Hot parent tip: Check out Health Canada’s Is Your Child Safe? Sleep Time for more information.

Living Room

• TV sets, bookcases and furniture are anchored securely to the wall
• Sharp corners and edges on tables have been covered with soft cushioning
• Fireplaces and wood stoves have fixed safety guards around them
• Matches and fire starters are out of reach of children
• Windows and sliding doors have safety locks
• Poisonous houseplants have been removed
• Blind and drapery cords are cut or tied up high
• Furniture (side tables, couches) are away from windows
• Non-slip mats are used under area carpets

Around the Home

• Smoke alarms are installed outside all sleeping areas and on each level of your home. Test them monthly by pressing and holding the test button.

Safety Tip: Having a smoke alarm in each bedroom is the safest choice.

• Carbon monoxide detectors are installed outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home
• Electrical cords are secured out of reach
• Outlet covers are used on electrical outlets
• Window coverings are cordless or secured using a tie-down device up high on the wall. Securely attach tension devices supplied with corded window coverings
• Hazardous products like medications, cleaners, laundry pods, chemicals, alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana products are kept locked up and out of child’s reach.
• Child’s surroundings have been cleared of small objects that could cause choking
• A wall mounted safety gate is installed at the top of stairs and a pressure mounted gate is used at the bottom of stairs
• Door knob covers are placed on doorknobs to stop a child from opening doors to unsafe areas
• Hot tap water temperature is no hotter than 49º C (120º F)
• Wading pools and buckets are emptied when not in use.
• Swimming pools are surrounded by four-sided fencing with a self-closing and locking safety gate. Check your local bylaws for fencing and gate requirements.
• Emergency phone numbers, including Manitoba Poison Centre (1-855-776-4766), are kept in or near your phone.