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Children are explorers and adventurers, and while that’s a great way to learn about the world, it can put them in danger if the parent is not diligent about making the home a safe environment.

Many parents install hi-tech video/audio systems and alarms (don’t forget to update your contents insurance to cover these expensive items) to monitor their child, but for small children the greatest dangers in the home are from being scalded by hot water, falling and striking their heads on a sharp object, eating something poisonous and choking—all hazards that are potentially present in most average homes.

Here are some ways to make sure your home is safe for your young child:

• Check your water heater and set the maximum temperature to no more than 120 degrees—and never leave a young child unattended in the bathroom.
• Consider having only rounded tables and soft furniture until the child is older and more stable-footed.
• Make sure all poisonous materials are in a lockable cabinet if at floor level—better yet, store these items in a locked upper cabinet.
• Keep all small items that might become a choking hazard out of the reach of young children. If you have older children and they have small toys like building sets or marbles, make it a house rule that those items remain in their rooms with the door closed at all times.
• Cover all electrical outlets with child proof caps.

You can also visit the Policy Expert website and read an article in their insurance resource library called “Keeping Kids Safe at Home” for some good child safety pointers.

While it’s not possible to predict and avoid any and all dangers that a small child might stumble into, taking care of the above items will go a long way toward making your home safe.