Preparing Your Home for Young Visitors
If you usually don’t have young children in your home, it’s easy to forget how quickly they explore. Grandchildren and young visitors are curious by nature, and they may open, taste or touch things that seem harmless to adults.
Before children arrive, take a few simple steps to make your home safer.
Save the Kentucky Poison Center number in your phone and post it somewhere visible: 1-800-222-1222 (available 24/7, free and confidential)
General Safety Tips
- Keep all products in their original containers with labels attached.
- Store alcohol out of sight and reach.
- Keep ashtrays emptied and out of reach, or avoid smoking in or around your home.
- Remember that purses, pill organizers and travel bags often contain medicines. Store them safely when visitors arrive.
Kitchen
- Move cleaning products from under the sink to an upper cabinet.
- Consider installing temporary cabinet locks if children will visit often.
- Remove medicines, vitamins and supplements from countertops, nightstands and places kids can reach.
- Store household cleaners away from food items to prevent mix-ups.
Bathroom
- Keep medicines, cosmetics, perfumes and mouthwash out of sight and reach — or locked up.
- Store drain cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners on higher shelves.
- Safely dispose of outdated or unused medications.
Bedroom
- Remove medicines from bedside tables and dressers.
- Store perfumes, nail polish remover, powders and personal care items out of reach.
- Know the names of your houseplants. Some common plants can be harmful if chewed or swallowed. Keep plants away from children and pets.
Laundry Area
- Keep bleach, detergent and cleaning products out of reach.
- Store detergent packets (pods) in a high cabinet — never in an open container.
Garage or Basement
- Lock up insect sprays, weed killers and fertilizers.
- Store automotive and home maintenance products (such as paint, solvents, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, rust remover and motor oil) in locked cabinets.
- Always keep products in their original containers with labels intact.
A Final Reminder
Children can get into things quickly, even when adults are nearby. A few small changes before they arrive can prevent a frightening emergency.
If you ever suspect a poisoning, call the Kentucky Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Help is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.