Health Library

Bathroom

• Is the thermostat on the hot water heater set below 120°F (49°C)?
• Are razor blades, nail scissors, and other sharp tools stored in a locked cabinet?
• Are childproof latches installed on all drawers and cabinets?
• Do the outlets have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) (which may protect against electrocution if an electrical appliance gets wet)? (If you live in an older home that may not be “up to code,” have an electrician inspect your circuit breaker panel.)
• Are toilets always left closed? Is there a toilet-lid lock on the toilet?
• Are all hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors unplugged when not in use?
• Are there nonskid strips on the floors of showers and bathtubs?
• Are there nonslip pads under rugs to hold them securely to the floor?
• Are all prescription and nonprescription medicines, cosmetics, and cleaners stored in a locked cabinet? Are childproof caps on all medicines?
• Are bottles of mouthwash, perfumes, hair dyes, hair sprays, nail polishes, and nail polish removers stored in a locked cabinet?

Garage & Laundry Area

• Are all tools, products, and supplies used for auto maintenance, pool care, gardening, and lawn work stored safely away from children in a locked area?
• Are recycling containers storing glass and metal out of reach? Are garbage cans covered?
• Are all bleaches, detergents, and other cleaning products in their original containers and stored in a locked cabinet?
• Are buckets used for cleaning kept out of reach?
• Are laundry detergent pods out of sight and stored in a locked cabinet?
• Are the doors of the washer and dryer always closed?
• Are laundry chutes locked with childproof locks?