Overview
There are several inexpensive steps a person can take to prevent accidental injury in the home. Safety latches can keep household cleaning materials and chemicals locked out the reach of children. Gates can block off dangerous areas of the home and prevent falls when used at the top of the stairs, and socket protectors block a child's access to dangerous electricity. Many accidents can be avoided by closely supervising children and by simply practicing these and other preventative measures in the home.
Review Date 2/8/2024
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.