MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Home safety

Medical Encyclopedia

Home safety

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.

Update Date: 7/18/2007

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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