WASHINGTON, D.C.—As a new study shows, common household items can be dangerous to infants and children.

“Simple steps to make your home kid-friendly could prevent accidents or possibly save a life,” said Vidor Friedman, MD, FACEP, President of ACEP. “Storing personal care products out of a child's reach is a start. Keep large appliances unplugged and out of reach, store medicines up and away, and avoid leaving small objects or choking hazards in places where they could end up in a child’s mouth. Accidents happen fast, but you can put some safeguards in place to protect your kids.”

Some of the ways you can childproof your home:

• Place small objects or choking hazards (such as marbles and coins) in locked drawers. 
• Keep medicines in locked cabinets and use child resistant medicine bottles. 
• Store sharp objects in locked drawers or cabinets or on high shelves that children cannot reach. 
• Get rid of blind cords and use cordless blinds. 
• Use child resistant knobs on doors that lead to the exterior of the house. 

Develop safe habits:

• Always cook on the back burner of the stove. 
• Keep hot liquids, food or pots out of children’s reach. 
• Never hold children while drinking a hot beverage.
• Be sure to close baby gates when children are at the top of the stairs. 
• Never leave a small child unattended in the bathtub. 
• Always pay close attention anytime children are near water, whether a pool or body of water. 

Read more: Childproofing Lessons Learned Working in the ER