One of the things we parents fear most for our children is that they will be unintentionally and unnecessarily hurt.  Skinned knees and incidental boo-boos aside, the environment we create for them is the one they live in, and though we can't wrap them in bubble wrap till they're 21, there are many things we can do to help protect them from preventable injuries.  Some of these things are educational, others observational, and still others involve safety equipment or choices about furniture, or positions of items in the household.

This guide is far from all-inclusive, but the major steps you can take ahead of time are listed below.

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Check the batteries monthly. Replace the batteries annually.

• Have fire extinguishers on hand, and on every floor of the house.

• Use the daylight saving time change as a reminder to check the charge on your extinguishers.

• Procure a weather alert radio and an emergency kit.

• Plan for a fire escape route and a safe place to meet in an emergency or if you have to evacuate the house.

• Keep a list of important phone numbers, and have your important papers in a safe place.

This page was authored by Dr. James C. Montgomery MD FAAP.