Is your friend's home safe for your child?

Holiday time is visiting time. You may be extra careful about making your home safe for your child, but is your child safe when you visit other people’s houses?  And that can mean visiting grandparents, or the homes of friends who don't have children.

Here are just some of the things you should look out for:

• Are there gates on stairs?
• Is there a pool and, if so, is it fenced off?
• Is medication within your child’s reach?
• Are there unguarded heaters or fireplaces in use?
• Are cleaning materials and other poisonous substances locked away?
• Are there small objects such as toys, jewellery or hard sweets where your child can get to them?
• Do they have a pet that could be dangerous?
• Are there safety catches on cabinets?
• Are there nests of computer wires and electrical cords?
• Are plugs covered?
• Are there matches or lighters within your child’s reach?
• Are there poisonous plants or berries that a toddler may like to sample?

(Joanne Hart, Health24, June 2010)