Essential Home Safety Checklist for Families with Young Children

Essential Home Safety Checklist for Families with Young Children

Keeping your home safe when you have young children goes far beyond baby gates and cabinet locks. You could be a new parent or already raising toddlers, it’s easy to overlook everyday risks around the house. The South Carolina Santee Fire Department is here to help you spot those risks before they become real dangers.

We’ve created a practical, easy-to-follow home safety checklist that covers fire prevention, electrical safety, childproofing, and general household hazards. Let’s make sure your home is as safe as possible.

1. Install and Test Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors

Carbon monoxide and smoke alarm detectors are your first line of defense.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms and other areas where people sleep.

• Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed near areas where you sleep and fuel-burning appliances, such as fireplaces and stoves.

• Test all alarms monthly.

• Replace batteries twice a year. Daylight saving time is a great reminder.

Replace your smoke alarms every ten years and CO detectors every 5 to 7 years, depending on the model.

2. Secure Electrical Outlets and Cords

Most children love to explore, and that often means sticking fingers where they shouldn’t.

• Use outlet covers or tamper-resistant outlets throughout your home to prevent electrical hazards.

• Keep cords out of reach or tucked out of sight behind furniture.

• Never leave phone chargers plugged in at child height.

• Avoid overloading power strips or outlets

3. All Matches and Lighters Should Be Kept Out of Reach

Curiosity and fire are a dangerous mix. Always keep fire-starting tools out of reach of small children.

• Place lighters and matches in a locked drawer or cabinet.

• Never leave candles burning in unattended rooms.

• Consider using battery-powered candles for ambiance.

4. Create a Family Fire Escape Plan

Even young children can learn how to respond in an emergency.

• Develop and practice a two-way out plan for every room.

• It is important to teach kids how to “stop, drop, and roll” in case of fire.

• Select a safe meeting spot outside the house.

• Practice the plan twice a year with all family members.

5. Check Furniture and TV Stability

Heavy furniture and TVs can fall over directly onto a child if they try to climb on them.

• Anchor bookshelves, dressers, and TVs to the wall.
• Avoid placing toys or remote controls on top of tall furniture, kids will climb to reach them.
• Choose sturdy, wide-based furniture where possible.

6. Use Safety Gates and Latches

Certain areas of the home are best off-limits to toddlers.

• Install gates at the top and bottom of staircases.

• Use cabinet and drawer latches in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas where sharp or toxic items are stored.

• Keep bathroom doors closed and toilet lids locked to prevent accidental drowning.

7. Kitchen Safety for Curious Hands

Kitchens can be one of the most dangerous places for kids.

• Keep hot pans on the back burners and turn handles away from edges.
• Store cleaning products and sharp utensils well out of reach or in locked cabinets. 
• Never leave children unattended near the stove or oven.

8. Water Safety Inside the Home 

Children can drown in as little as two inches of water.

• Always supervise children in the bath.
• Empty bathtubs, buckets, and kiddie pools immediately after use.
• Keep bathroom doors closed and consider a toilet lid lock.

9. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

Even if you have a cell phone, it’s a good idea to keep a printed list of emergency contacts.

• Post numbers near landlines and common areas: fire department, poison control, pediatrician, local emergency contacts.

• Teach older children how and when to dial 911

10. Regularly Review and Update Safety Measures

Your child’s abilities change fast, and so should your safety precautions.

• Crawl through your home at child-level every few months to spot new hazards.
• Update your child’s safety gear as they grow older and become more mobile.
• Involving older siblings in safety talks and responsibilities is beneficial.

Final Thoughts from the Santee Fire Department 

Raising children comes with enough stress. Creating a safe home environment shouldn’t add to it. By following this checklist and reviewing it regularly, you can help to avoid injuries and prepare your family for emergencies.

The Santee Fire Department is committed to supporting families throughout South Carolina through educational programs, fire prevention initiatives, and community outreach efforts. For more safety tips, local events, or to schedule a home visit, visit our website or follow us on social media.