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Golisano Children's Hospital / Child Safety / Home Safety

Home Safety

There are potential unsafe situations at home that can easily be addressed.

  • Put safety covers on unused outlets
  • Prevent scald burns by setting your water heater's thermostat to no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Use brackets or braces to secure unstable or top heavy furniture to the wall.
  • Keep a list of all emergency numbers by the phone, and make sure children and babysitters know who to call in case of an emergency.
  • Keep small objects out of children's reach and sight to prevent choking.
  • Sign up for product recalls at Safe Kids Product Recalls.
  • Visit the Injury Free Coalition site to learn more about home safety and injury prevention.

  • Home Safety: Here's How - Healthychildren.org

Poisoning Safety

  • Cleaning products and all chemicals should be stored out of reach or locked in a cabinet.
  • Use safety or childproof tops.
  • Use cabinet/drawer locks.
  • Store all products in their original containers.
  • Have Poison Control’s number on your cell phone and near your home phone, 1-800-222-1222.
  • Know what types of plants are in the home and avoid having poisonous plants in your home.
  • Learn more at Upstate New York Poison Center - SUNY Upstate Medical University

Medication Storage and Safety

  • Suicide and accidental ingestions are significant public health concerns.
  • Keep all medications, prescribed and over-the-counter, out of reach and locked in a cabinet or box.
    • To purchase a medication lock box, visit Strong Memorial Hospital or Highland Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy. Some retail stores, like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, may have them too.
    • For Providers – Medication lock boxes may be ordered through EPIC, using “Safer Lock Box,” which will show on the After Visit Summary (AVS).
  • Store all medication in its original container.
  • Use a safety or childproof top on medication containers.
  • No loose pills.
  • Secure after each use.
  • Track quantities.
  • Safely dispose of unused or no longer needed medication.
  • Learn more at Monroe County - Pharmaceutical Waste

Window Safety

  • Install window guards on windows above the 1st floor.
  • Don't place children's furniture near a window.
  • A window should not be opened more than 4 inches.
  • Wrap up cords using cord cleats at a height out of reach of children.

Firearms

  • Store unloaded firearms in lockbox or safe and keep ammunition locked separately.
  • Use gun trigger locks to add an additional barrier.
  • Asking Saves Kids (ASK) - Ask about guns and storage where children play.

Fire Safety

  • Smoke detectors should be in working order, located inside bedrooms and tested every month.
  • Create and practice a fire escape plan with two ways out of every room. Have a meeting place outside the home that is a safe distance from the home. Practice the escape plan twice a year.
  • If there is a fire in the home, leave immediately. Get low and crawl out of the house. Call 911 once you are at a safe distance from the fire.
  • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
  • Never paint a smoke alarm.
  • City of Rochester - Fire Prevention and Safety in the Home

Internet Safety

  • Be sure to "friend" your teens on social media. Watch their stories to stay informed on school- and friend-related stories.
  • Do not share personal information, such as first and last name, social security number, birthdate, address, phone number, and photos.
  • Set up parental controls as many are available free from devices.
  • Keep devices, software, and firmware up-to-date as many companies' updates address security threats.